"Start with diplomacy," Richard said, folding his arms behind his back as he paced the room. "They're still in the area, so we've got time. Ray, I want you to keep engaging with them over the next couple of days. Get a read on who they are, what they want. Most importantly—find out if they've got any family in Starlight City."

He paused, then added with weight, "We need to get control of them. Anyone that strong this early in the apocalypse… there's no way they don't have at least one high-tier Awakened among them."

Ray nodded. "Got it."

Richard reached into his coat and pulled out a glowing crystal core, tossing it to Ray. "This Tier 4 core is from your father. He sent it over for you. We figured, with all the Tier 3 zombies you captured, you'd be the first to break through."

Ray caught it, his expression darkening.

"But then those traitors screwed everything up," Richard continued, voice cold. "Don't worry. They won't get far."

"If we catch them," Ray said, his voice low and sharp, "I want them handed over to me. I'll make sure they understand what it means to betray me."

He clenched the core in his fist. Those defectors had cost him two days—two days he could've spent as a Tier 4. The rage still burned hot.

"How's my father doing?" Ray asked after a moment.

"No need to worry about him," Richard said, his tone lifting. "He's already struck a deal with Mayor Marks. Won't be long before the entire Starlight City is under our control."

"I thought the military was still a problem?"

"Only Colonel Reyes is left holding the reins. Mayor Marks is working on a way to remove him. Once that's done, the military's power will fall into our hands. After that, we run the city."

Ray's eyes gleamed. "Then the Harlan family's finally going to rise to the top of this apocalypse."

"Not yet," Richard cautioned. "Marks isn't a fool. We need our own power base—tight-knit, elite. Not numbers. Quality. Awakeneds. If you find one, do whatever it takes to bring them in. In the end, Awakeneds will be the true force that shapes this world."

Ray nodded. "Understood. And… what about Mia?"

"Your father's already watching her. Once Reyes is out of the picture, Victor will move in and secure her immediately."

Ray exhaled, relieved. "Good. That woman needs to be brought in—one way or another."

"I'm leaving Brent and Mason here to assist you," Richard said. "Both are Tier 4. With them and you, even if all six of those outsiders are Tier 4, you won't be outmatched."

"Thanks, Uncle Richard."

"I'll also leave the rest of my men here to secure the perimeter. That reinforced cage should be ready in a couple of days—it'll be strong enough to hold a Tier 4 zombie. Once it arrives, we'll start working on cultivating a Tier 5."

Ray's eyes lit up. "Then we'll have a clear path to Tier 5 ourselves."

"Exactly. I'm heading back now. Don't screw this up again."

"I won't. You can count on me."

As Richard and his men left, a familiar engine rumbled in the distance.

Ethan and his crew had returned.

Before stepping inside, Ethan glanced toward Ray's luxury home across the way. His brow furrowed.

There were more people there now. And not just any people—he could feel the pressure from here. Strong ones.

"Harlan family's got more bite than I thought," Ethan mused silently.

Inside the house, Big Mike wasted no time. He hauled Garrick off his shoulder and dumped him unceremoniously onto the couch. Then, with a grin, he raised his hand to slap him awake.

But before he could land the hit, Garrick's eyes snapped open, glaring straight at him.

The room went still.

Big Mike froze mid-swing, then slowly lowered his hand, clearing his throat awkwardly.

"Uh… when'd you wake up?"

"I… I just did," Garrick said, voice tight with nerves.

"Good. Ethan's got some questions for you," Big Mike said, stepping back. "You'd better answer honestly."

"I—I will," Garrick stammered, sitting up straighter.

Ethan smiled and turned to Garrick. "What did you do before all this?"

"I used to work at a steel mill," Garrick replied honestly.

"And the night the world went to hell—where were you?"

Garrick scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed. "Had some family crap going on, so I went out drinking. Stayed out late, got blackout drunk, and passed out on the street."

Ethan nodded slowly. He didn't sense any lies.

"And those people you were with—what were they to you?"

"Some were coworkers from the mill. Others I picked up along the way. Once they saw I had an ability, they just… started following me."

Ethan tilted his head. "So, how's it feel—getting ditched by your own crew?"

Garrick gave a sheepish smile. "Honestly? Not surprising. We were a patchwork group from the start. Stuff like that happens."

"Last question," Ethan said, his tone sharpening. "You willing to join us?"

"Yes. Absolutely!" Garrick blurted, almost too fast.

Big Mike narrowed his eyes. "Hey, man. You might wanna think that through."

"No need. I'm in."

Ethan's expression turned serious. "You better be sure. Joining my crew isn't just words. Once you're in, there's no backing out. Betray us, and I'll kill you myself. No hesitation. And in this team, my word is law."

"I understand," Garrick said quickly. "In a world like this, everyone's looking for a strong team. It's the only way to survive. And you guys… you're the strongest I've seen. No contest. If I get the chance to be part of that, I'd be a fool to say no."

He took a breath and continued, "I know I'm only getting this shot because of my ability. If I were just another Tier 4 Enhanced without powers, you wouldn't even look at me. That's why I won't waste it. I'm in. No second thoughts. And for the record—I hate betrayal more than anything. You'll never have to worry about that from me."

Big Mike crossed his arms, frowning. "Man, I already had a whole plan in my head for how to slice you up. Now you go and say yes? Kinda ruined my day."

"…"

Garrick turned to him, trying not to visibly tremble. "Big Mike, from now on, you're my boss. After Ethan, your word's law. You tell me to jump, I'll ask how high."

Big Mike rubbed his chin. "Huh. I could get used to that."

Ethan studied Garrick for a long moment. "You're really sure?"

"Dead sure," Garrick said, nodding firmly.

"Alright then." Ethan smiled and extended a hand. "Welcome to the team."

Garrick grabbed it like a lifeline.

One by one, the others stepped up and shook his hand too. If Ethan had made the call, they weren't going to argue.

Then Garrick glanced around and asked, "Hey, Ethan… what's our team called, anyway?"

Ethan blinked. "Uh… we don't actually have a name."

Chris laughed. "Seriously? With this many people? We need one. Who knows—maybe one day we'll be famous."

"Alright," Ethan said, amused. "Let's hear it. What've you got?"

"Panthers," Big Mike said instantly. "Sounds badass."

Henry groaned. "Sounds like a high school football team."

"…Fair," Mike muttered, deflating.

"How about Wolfpack?" Henry offered. "Wolves. Fierce. Loyal."

"Still kinda generic," Chris said, wrinkling his nose.

They tossed around names for ten minutes—everything from "Iron Fangs" to "Shadow Unit"—but nothing stuck.

Eventually, all eyes turned to Ethan.

He rubbed his chin, thinking.

"…How about Fallen Star?" he said.

"Fallen Star?" the group echoed.

"Yeah," Ethan said. "Stars fall when the world changes. It sounds ominous—like something that shouldn't exist. Kinda like us."

Silence.

Then, slowly, smiles spread across their faces.

"Damn… that's actually sick."

"Yeah. Fallen Star. Sounds elite as hell."

Chris grinned. "Alright then. From today on? We're the Fallen Star Squad."

Everyone nodded, grinning now.

A name. A team. A beginning.

...

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