Alex stepped forward, his voice low and intense. "Ma'am, my name is Sergeant Alex Strickland. We’re from Fort Brix. The good guys.”

  The woman looked at Ha-Yoon, who nodded. The woman relaxed slightly in response.

  “You’re the ones they’ve been looking for?” the woman asked. “They went to every door. Searched every unit.”

  “We are,” Alex confirmed. “We didn’t run away. We came back to fight. To help. All we ask is that you keep quiet about seeing us. Can you do that?"

  The woman nodded jerkily, her voice a hoarse whisper. "Yes. Yes, of course. I won't say a word."

  "Thank you," Alex said.

  “No, thank you, Sergeant,” the woman said, her voice steely. “These bastards don't pay for anything. They just take—food, supplies…other things.” She lowered her eyes sadly. “Whatever they want. And if anyone tries to stop them..." She trailed off, the implication clear.

  “We’re working on it,” Alex replied. “We may need your help, later.”

  “If you need it, you have it.”

  Alex nodded. The elevator doors closed, and they continued their ascent to the ninth floor. The corridor was clear, and moments later, they were stepping into Ha-Yoon's apartment, a small but tidy space with a view of the jungle beyond the dome.

  As the door closed behind them, Alex turned to Ha-Yoon, his expression serious. "Diego tells me you're the one who told him about the access tunnels. Is that right?"

  Ha-Yoon nodded, a flicker of pride crossing her face. "Yes. I work in maintenance. I know this settlement inside and out."

  "We couldn't have made it this far without that knowledge,” Alex said. "Thank you."

  Ha-Yoon waved away the praise, but a pleased flush was on her cheeks. "I'm just glad I could help. These invaders think they can just walk in and take over. Someone needs to stand up to them."

  Alex nodded, his gaze intense. "What's the mood out there? Among the civilians? Are they ready to fight back?"

  Ha-Yoon hesitated, considering her words. "People are angry," she said at last. "Frustrated. They feel helpless. But I don't know if they're ready to fight. They're scared. They don't want to risk retaliation."

  "Retaliation?" Zoe asked. "From who? Do you know who these invaders are affiliated with? The Outworlds? Proxima?"

  Ha-Yoon shook her head. "I don't think so. They don't seem like either of those. Their uniforms and gear are all marked FUP, but they are different. Older. Like they raided a surplus store.”

  “That’s what I said,” Malik laughed.

  “If you’re right,” Zoe said. “If they aren’t Outworlders or a new faction of the CIP, that means…”

  “Rebellion," Alex said softly, voicing their collective fears. "Insurgency from inside the FUP."

  "But who could have organized something like that?” Jackson asked, frustration and confusion warring in his voice. “And why? Why attack Jungle? Why come after us?"

  "I don't know," Alex admitted. “But we need to find out.” He turned back to Ha-Yoon, his voice low and urgent. “We need your help. We need to get the civilians on our side and ready to fight when the time comes. Can you spread the word? Quietly, carefully, to people you think you can trust. Let them know we’re still here, still fighting for them."

  Ha-Yoon met his gaze. "I can do that," she said. "I know people who are tired of being afraid. They'll listen, and pass it on to others who feel the same. The majority of the people in Hut will be behind you, Sergeant.”

  Alex nodded, gratitude and respect in his expression. "Thank you. For everything."

  “You need civilian clothing,” Ha-Yoon decided. “And something to eat. You must be starving after living in the jungle for weeks.”

  “Not starving,” Zoe replied. “But I would love something cooked.”

  “There’s food in the pantry. You’re welcome to it. But with no resupply ships coming from the company, we’ll all be hungry soon enough.” She paused, concerned. “Why hasn’t the FUP sent anyone to help us?”

  “Unfortunately, Jungle isn’t the enemy’s only target,” Alex replied. “And given the size and composition of the planet’s human population, as much as I hate to say it, we’re not likely to be a high priority.”

  “You mean…”

  “The whole galaxy may be burning,” Alex confirmed. “We just don’t know. That’s why we have to take care of business here ourselves. We can’t rely on anyone coming to save us, at least not right away.”

  Ha-Yoon’s fearful expression hardened. She nodded. “Wait here. I’ll go speak to some people I know. If these invaders are some kind of rebellion…well, we can rebel, too.” She turned to Diego. “I’m glad you’re safe.” She kissed him soundly on the lips and then spun out of the apartment like a whirlwind.

  “Isn’t she great?” Diego asked as the door closed behind her.

  CHAPTER 39

  Darkness had long since settled over Jungle, the lighting within the domes of Hut casting an eerie glow across the settlement. Alex paced the length of Ha-Yoon's small apartment, tension radiating from every line of his body. The other Scorpions watched him, their anxiety palpable in the air.

  "She's been gone too long," Alex muttered, more to himself than the others. "Something's not right."

  Diego, sitting on the edge of the couch, his leg bouncing nervously, jumped to his feet. "No way, Gunny. Ha-Yoon wouldn't betray us. She's on our side."

  Alex turned to face him. "How well do you really know her, Diego? How long have you two been together?"

  Diego hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face before he squared his shoulders. "Two weeks," he admitted. "But that doesn't matter. We're in love."

  A ripple of laughter went through the room, quickly stifled as the Scorpions caught Alex's stern gaze.

  "Love?" Malik chuckled, unable to help himself. "In two weeks? On a Marine base? Come on, man."

  "It's not impossible," Zoe added, though her tone was skeptical.

  Jackson shook his head, a wry grin on his face. "Next thing you know, he'll be telling us they're engaged."

  Diego's face flushed red, a mix of embarrassment and anger. "Laugh all you want," he snapped. "I don't care what you think. I'm telling you, Ha-Yoon is one hundred percent on our side. She wouldn't betray us."

  Alex held up a hand, silencing the banter. "I hope you're right, Diego. For all our sakes." He moved to the window, peering out at the jungle. "At least the enemy isn't running new searches on the apartments. It means Sarah is still out there, keeping them busy."

  As if summoned by his words, the door to the apartment suddenly opened. They all spun, weapons half-raised, only to relax as Ha-Yoon stepped inside, her arms laden with bags. Behind her came a familiar face—Miyaki-san, the owner of their favorite bar, destroyed in the initial strike.

  "I'm sorry I took so long," Ha-Yoon said, setting down her burden. "It was difficult to collect so many things without drawing attention."

  Alex moved to help her, rifling through the bags. There were civilian clothes, more food, and even a few datapads. He looked up at Ha-Yoon, impressed. "This is incredible. Thank you."

  Miyaki stepped forward, his eyes roving over the Scorpions. "I'm glad to see you all alive," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "When I saw what they did to my bar, I feared the worst."

  "We're sorry about your place, Miyaki-san," Zoe said softly. “We think they destroyed it because somehow they knew it would be full of Marines.”

  The older man waved off her sympathy. "It can be rebuilt. What matters is that you're here, fighting back."

  Ha-Yoon clapped her hands, drawing their attention. "You need to change quickly," she said. "I've arranged for you to meet with some people. Important people."

  Alex raised an eyebrow, surprised and a little wary. "Already? That was fast."

  Ha-Yoon smiled, a glint of pride in her eyes. "I told you, I know this settlement. And I know who we can trust."

  “Thank you, Ha-Yoon,” Alex said, glancing at Diego, who wore an I-told-you-so expression. “Diego and I will go with Ha-Yoon. The rest of you stay here. We don’t want to draw too much attention.”

  “I was going to offer to stay anyway,” Malik said, pulling a bottle of wine out of one of Ha-Yoon’s grocery bags.

  “Don’t even think about drinking that,” Alex said.

  “Spoilsport.”

  Even though not all the Scorpions were going to the meeting, they all changed into civilian clothes, eager to shed their stolen enemy uniforms. As Alex pulled on a simple shirt and pants that actually fit, he couldn't help but marvel at how quickly things were moving. It was risky but also exhilarating. They were making swift progress.

  Once he and Diego were changed, Ha-Yoon led them out into the corridor. There, they were met by a young woman with long, dark hair and bright eyes. She stepped up to Alex, linking her arm through his.

  "I'm Miranda," she said, her voice low and pleasant. "I'll be your wife for the evening, in case the occupiers give us any trouble.”

  Alex nodded, noticing the way her eyes lingered on him, the slight flush in her cheeks. Under different circumstances, he might have been flattered, even interested. But right now, his mind was solely focused on the mission.

  “Do they usually give you trouble?” he asked.

  “They have. That’s why it’s better for you to have an escort.”

  “Well, Ha-Yoon certainly did arrange for me to have a beautiful one,” Alex said, complimenting her. She practically swooned under it, gripping his arm more tightly.

  “You’re kind to say, Sergeant Strickland.”

  “Shh!” Ha-Yoon admonished. “Out there, his name is Peter.”

  Miranda’s face flushed for a different reason. “Right. I’m sorry. You’re kind to say, Peter.”

  They made their way out of the apartment block, walking down the street arm-in-arm. Alex became more wary as they approached two guards, doing his best not to show his concern as they approached. Miranda leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder in a show of casual intimacy. The guards barely spared them a glance.

  They continued on to an adjacent dome, entering a bar named Enzo’s. Unlike the eerie quiet of the streets, this place was alive with noise and activity. Off-duty enemy Marines occupied all the tables, drinking and laughing, seemingly without a care in the world. The sight made Alex's blood boil, but he kept his face neutral as they made their way to a back room.

  Inside, a small group had gathered. They quieted their conversations as Alex and his small group entered, turning their eyes to him.

  “Well, if it isn’t the Wraith’s boy,” one of them, a heavyset man with thick, dark hair said. “This is better than I hoped.”

  “Alex,” Miyaki said, “that’s Enzo, the owner of this establishment.” He pointed to the others in turn. “Rudy, Gisele, Dev, and Yi-Sang. They all own businesses within the settlement.”

  “Businesses that are on the verge of ruin, thanks to these assholes,” Yi-Sang added.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” Alex said.

  Dev, a tall, lean man with graying hair, stepped forward. "We signed on with Home Corp to start businesses here because we believe in what the Marines do," he said, his voice filled with quiet intensity. "The real Marines, not these...imposters."

  Alex nodded, feeling a swell of gratitude. "We appreciate that," he said. "More than you know. Can you tell us about the occupation? What have you observed?"

  The business owners exchanged glances before Gisele, a woman with short-cropped hair, spoke up. "They talk and act like FUP Marines," she said. "But they don't treat us with the same respect. It's clear they don't want to be here, but they can't leave until their ships return."

  "And until you Marine holdouts are neutralized," added Rudy, his voice bitter. “At least, that’s what I’ve overheard. Seems like they’ll be in for it if they don’t get you under control before their commanding officer returns.”

  Alex frowned. “Why do we matter so much?"

  The owners shook their heads, confusion evident on their faces. "We don't know," Gisele admitted. "But they're obsessed with finding you."

  “In that case, I guess it’s a good thing I’m hiding out in plain sight,” Alex replied. “Ha-Yoon arranged this meeting so we can talk about how the people of Hut can help me and my squad hit back at the occupiers. It’s clear we have a shared distaste for them, but we need to put those feelings into action. Ha-Yoon has the opinion that most of the people here aren’t ready to commit their lives to that cause. What do you think?”

  “I think she’s correct,” Yi-Sang said. “But I also don’t think that’s a feeling we can’t change, especially as supplies begin to dwindle.”

  “That’s only one side of it,” Enzo piped up. “Some folks think the occupiers will leave as soon as you’re dealt with. They’d happily turn you over to make the bad guys disappear.”

  Alex had already worried about that. “How many of the people do you think feel that way?”

  “At my place, at least, it’s not many,” Rudy said. “But they do exist. And I’m sure you know, it only takes one to ruin things.”

  “I do know, all too well,” Alex said. “It means whatever we do, whatever we plan, we have to move forward quickly, before the wrong people catch wind of it. We might not be able to pull in as many civilians as we’d like, which could be a problem. We counted over a thousand fighters on the enemy’s side, and they all have powered armor. Not to mention the Armadillos and drones. To trigger an uprising that stands a chance, we need at least half the population.”

  “That could be a tall order,” Gisele said. “I’m sure ninety percent of the people in Hut are sympathizers. Getting fifty percent to fight? I don’t see that happening.”

  “What we need to do is even the odds some more,” Miyaki said. “If there are fewer enemy fighters, then we need fewer people to join us.”

  “How do you suggest we reduce their numbers?” Enzo asked. “We’re entrepreneurs, not Marines.”

  "I have an idea," Dev said. “We each get dozens of off-duty occupiers in our establishments every night. What if we planted some explosives, and blew up our places when they’re filled with the bastards? We could warn our employees, get them out in time. I bet we could kill two hundred or more in one shot.”

  A hush fell over the room, the enormity of the suggestion sinking in. Alex's first instinct was to reject it outright; the risk to other civilians was high. But as he looked around at the faces of the business owners, he realized just how desperate they were.

  "Your businesses," he started, but the bar owner cut him off with a wave of his hand.

  "We're insured," he said firmly. "And even if we weren't, it would be worth it to rid ourselves of these bastards."

  Alex mulled it over, his tactical mind already working on the logistics. "We'd need explosives," he said slowly. "Components that wouldn't raise suspicion."

  "We can help with that," Miyaki said. "Between the maintenance supplies and what's available in the shops, we should be able to cobble something together. We just need to know what kind of materials you would need.”

  “Malik is our explosives expert. We can get a list from him. But this can’t be a one-off. Once we hit the enemy like that, they’ll come down hard on everyone. And, they’ll know we’re in the settlement. No, this has to be the opening shot in the one and only battle for Hut and Fort Brix.”

  The business owners nodded, a new sense of purpose energizing them. "We'll spread the word," Gisele said. "Quietly, of course, and only to people we know we can trust. But it will take some time.”

  “How can we coordinate with you, Sergeant?” Enzo asked. “Do you have a DA?”

  “I do, but the occupiers are surely monitoring communications. We’ll have to do this low-tech. Messengers, like Ha-Yoon and Miranda.”

  “I’m happy to do it,” Miranda said.

  “It’s going to take time to put all the pieces in place,” Alex continued. “But time isn’t something we have to spare. We need at least four thousand residents pledged to our cause, ready to fight and die, because that’s a real possibility. And we need to enlist them in the next three days.”

  “Three days?” Dev replied, taken aback. “That’s not possible.”

  “Then we have to make it possible,” Alex replied. “Or we can just let them have the planet and your businesses. Or you can turn us in, and hope you’re right about them leaving you alone once we’re dealt with. But I wouldn’t hold my breath.”

  “Me, either,” Yi-Sang agreed. “It won’t be as hard as you think, Dev. We can spread dissent like a virus. The real trick will be to coordinate it with our terrorist attacks.”

  “Three days, then,” Enzo said. “We’ll make it happen, Alex.”

  “Then that’s the plan. We’ll stay in touch throughout.”

  As the meeting wrapped up, plans for future contact and coordination were made. Alex felt a glimmer of hope. They were building a resistance, right under the enemy's nose.

  As they prepared to leave, Miyaki pulled Alex aside, his expression grave. "There's something else you should know," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've heard rumors...some of the Marines were initially captured. But they've since been executed."

  The words hit Alex like a physical blow, rage blooming in his chest. He clenched his fists, struggling to keep his voice steady. "Are you sure?"

  Miyaki nodded solemnly. "As sure as I can be, given the circumstances. I'm sorry."

  Alex took a deep breath, forcing the anger down. He couldn't afford to lose control, not now. "Thank you for telling me," he said. "We'll make them pay for this. For all of it."

  As they made their way back to Ha-Yoon's apartment, Alex's mind churned with plans and possibilities. The stakes had just gotten higher, the need for swift, decisive action more urgent than ever. But they had to be smart about it. One wrong move, and everything could come crashing down.