The sky above R22 was darker than ever. Even the dim purple clouds seemed burdened by secrets the wind refused to carry. Beneath that ominous sky, Roan and Dante returned—no longer defiant warriors, but defeated men who had tasted R22's wrath.
Their mechas were lost, their pride shattered, and every step they took back to the cave echoed like a silent apology.
They said nothing at first, standing awkwardly at the mouth of the cave, dirt on their faces, suits torn at the knees and elbows. They looked more like survivors of a crash than soldiers.
Kael sat inside the cave, cleaning his blade beside Ravager with steady hands. He didn't even lift his gaze. Tyren watched with arms crossed, the flames of a small heater reflecting in his narrowed eyes.
Ziya took a half-step forward… but stopped.
Only after a long pause did Roan finally speak.
> "We were wrong."
Simple words. Cracked with shame.
> "We thought we could handle the wild. But it's not wild. It's alive. It remembers. It punishes arrogance."
Kael said nothing. The fire snapped.
Dante followed, his voice quieter. "We lost our mecha. We didn't even fight… We just ran."
Tyren gave them a long look and clicked his tongue. "Didn't take long for the planet to chew you up and spit out your bones."
Roan lowered his head. "We're not asking for anything. Just a place to stay. Even the corner of the cave would do."
Kael stood, walked to the cave's entrance, and glared down at them.
> "This isn't a shelter. It's a battleground. You want safety, find a grave."
The words burned, but the two said nothing. They bowed their heads and quietly sat near the cave's mouth.
---
Return of Ryssa
The sound of incoming engines split the tension like a blade. A stealth-class dropship descended from the clouds, sleek and clean—clearly not from R22. As it landed, everyone stood.
The ramp dropped, and Commander Ryssa stepped into view, her white coat crisp, eyes sharper than ever.
Kael met her gaze, unreadable. Tyren raised a brow. "Didn't expect to see you so soon."
Ryssa walked straight up. "Orders. You're to return for a short-term recalibration. Mandatory."
Misha blinked. "Recalibration? You mean... rest?"
> "You've survived longer than expected," Ryssa said. "But you're all running dry. Psych eval says you're overstressed. One mistake on this planet will get you killed."
Kael scoffed. "And who made that eval? Some officer sitting on a leather chair on a clean ship?"
> "No," Ryssa said. "I did."
Everyone blinked.
She turned to the group. "You're coming back. Rest. Eat. Repair. You'll return stronger."
Kael stared for a long moment… then finally nodded. "Fine. But the second we're cleared—we're back."
Ryssa gave him a soft look. "Wouldn't expect anything less from you."
---
Prepping for Departure
Inside the cave, gear was packed in quiet tension. Everyone was alert, fast, but the air between them was dense.
Ziya was sealing up her equipment when Tyren approached her slowly. He leaned down near her without a smirk for once.
> "You upset?" he asked, voice lower than usual.
Ziya paused. Her eyes widened, cheeks warming, but she nodded faintly.
Tyren scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Sorry. I don't... talk good when I'm pissed. I was rude."
Ziya blinked and looked away, smiling a little. "You're always rude."
Tyren gave a rare chuckle. "Yeah… but I don't mean it. Not always."
As they stood quietly, a few feet behind them Misha was fastening her suit and tying up her hair—but her eyes weren't on her pack.
They were locked on Kael.
The way he moved with quiet purpose. The way he checked Ravager's joints one last time. Every movement—so practiced, so strong.
But Ryssa noticed.
From the corner of her eye, she caught the flicker in Misha's gaze.
Her lips tightened. Her eyes narrowed. Her jaw tensed just slightly.
She turned back to her datapad, but her grip was a little harder now.
---
The Journey
The dropship hummed in the background, casting shadows on the scorched surface of R22 as the group boarded one by one. Kael was the last to step on, his hand brushing the hull of Ravager like a farewell handshake.
Inside the ship, the atmosphere was quieter.
Roan and Dante sat farthest, heads bowed.
Ziya sat beside Tyren and tried not to stare.
Rynn and Misha sat near each other, whispering.
Kael sat alone at the rear—silent, still.
Ryssa stood with a datapad, then suddenly walked over and dropped into the seat across from Kael.
> "Comfortable?"
Kael didn't answer.
She leaned in, her voice softer. "Just try not to kill someone before we get to the ship."
Kael's lips almost twitched.
From across the cabin, Misha narrowed her eyes.
Rynn elbowed her softly. "You okay?"
Misha crossed her arms. "Fine."