Chapter 10: Fractures Beneath the Surface
The dim corridors of the IDF ship hummed softly as the squad prepared to depart for Ny-X1. Tension clung to the air like thick mist — heavier than before, tighter than any armor.
Elara stood near the command console, arms folded, her sharp eyes darting from one teammate to another. "Don't think for a second I'm going to hold back just because you want to play nice." Her tone was icy, words dripping with challenge.
Xena met her gaze steadily, voice low but firm. "We'll accomplish this mission better as a team, not as fractured units."
Elara scoffed, stepping toward Xena. "Team? You're naïve if you think I care about unity. I'm here to win, no matter who gets left behind."
Rhys folded his arms, watching closely, while Miya glanced away, tension evident in her posture. Izan and Zion exchanged uneasy looks but said nothing — all too familiar with these clashes.
Elara's impatience finally exploded during a weapons check. "Seriously, Miya, if you can't keep pace, don't slow us down." Her words were sharp, cutting through the room.
Miya's eyes flashed with controlled anger. "I pull my weight, Elara. Maybe you should focus less on barking orders and more on teamwork."
Before the situation escalated further, Xena stepped between them. "Enough! This isn't about picking fights — it's about survival."
But Elara wasn't done. With a sudden movement, she grabbed Xena's arm firmly, her voice a harsh whisper. "You think you're the reason we'll survive? You're just another obstacle."
Xena didn't flinch. "Better an obstacle than a liability."
The ship's alarms suddenly blared — the moment shattered. The mission had already begun, but the fractures within the team threatened to tear them apart before they even reached Ny-X1.