Chapter 8 - The Betrayal
The world seemed to completely stop spinning as I stared down the barrel of my own sister's gun.
The ultimate betrayal cut far deeper than any physical wound I had ever suffered in combat.
Gregory recovered his balance, laughing hysterically as he watched the utter devastation wash over my face.
"Did you really think I could orchestrate this massive operation completely on my own?" he mocked cruelly.
"Chloe has been passing me your private security details, your habits, and your vulnerabilities for over a year."
I looked at the young woman I had practically raised, searching desperately for any trace of coercion or mind control.
I only saw cold, hard greed masking a deep-seated jealousy I had never once noticed before.
"Why?" I choked out, the single word feeling like swallowing broken glass.
"Because you always got to be the hero," Chloe spat angrily, her finger tightening dangerously on the trigger.
"You got the glory, the respect, the perfect husband, while I was just the pathetic little sister left behind."
Gregory stepped confidently out from behind her, raising his own silver revolver to join her aim.
"It's finally over, Captain," he declared triumphantly, savoring the absolute victory he believed he had achieved.
They both stood together, completely focused on my apparent defeat, entirely forgetting the three nervous mercenaries behind them.
They also forgot that a desperate Marine without a gun is still the most dangerous weapon in the room.
I didn't try to reason with her anymore, knowing the sister I loved was already completely gone.
I violently kicked a heavy steel navigation chair directly into Gregory's knees with explosive, blinding speed.
Simultaneously, I dove aggressively toward the floor just as Chloe’s gun went off with a deafening crack.
The bullet meant for my heart sailed inches over my shoulder, shattering the massive glass window behind me.
The sudden depressurization and the howling wind rushing into the bridge created absolute, terrifying chaos.
The three mercenaries opened fire blindly, unable to see clearly through the swirling storm of loose paperwork and debris.
I rolled across the glass-covered floor, grabbing the ankle of the nearest mercenary and ripping him forcefully to the ground.
I drove my elbow brutally into his jaw, silencing him instantly before snatching his dropped pistol.
From a prone position, I fired two precise shots into the remaining guards' legs, dropping them immediately.
Gregory screamed in absolute frustration, grabbing Chloe by her arm and dragging her forcefully toward the emergency exit.
"Blow the ship!" Gregory commanded into his radio, blood pouring from a fresh cut on his forehead.
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"I want this entire vessel at the bottom of the ocean right now!"
The ship's automated alarm system immediately began wailing, flashing blinding red lights as a computerized voice started a terrifying countdown.
