Chapter Fifty: Holden

At the command deck airlock, Naomi works inside access panels while Holden, Corin, and two approaching marines prepare for another last stand. News arrives that Bull likely died detonating explosives to slow pursuit. Juarez assumes tactical command of the position as Ashford’s armored troops force their way up the shaft.

Naomi vanishes into a shaft panel, restores power to the backup elevator, and launches it down the tracks. The speeding car slams into the main elevator, likely pulping the power-armored attackers and buying the team a reprieve. Simultaneously, the outer airlock cycles open—by unknown aid—giving them a route inward.

They enter, identifying the side corridor to the bridge and assigning roles: Cass to seize the security station, Juarez to draw fire, Holden and Corin to drive for Ashford, Naomi to follow and take control of systems. Juarez leads the charge but is immediately shot when the corner proves to be a prepared ambush.

Holden and Cass drag Juarez back, revealing multiple wounds to his hip, arm, and foot. Naomi begins emergency treatment while Cass estimates ten to twelve defenders with mixed small arms and a shotgun. The corridor is a kill box; attempts at suppressive fire fail to gain ground, and Corin’s suit is grazed.

With no clear path forward and heavy return fire keeping them pinned, the team resorts to exchanging fire from cover. Juarez bleeds under Naomi’s care as Holden, Cass, and Corin trade shots, recognizing they are trapped yet continuing to fight despite the odds.