Maverick drove his blade into the final Locust guarding Timgad Central Energy, the creature letting out a guttural cry before collapsing lifelessly to the ground. Breathing heavily, Maverick wiped the blood from his weapon as the team advanced toward the door. His steps faltered slightly, and his face appeared pale, the toll of his injury beginning to show.

Dom: "This just goes from bad to worse".

Baird: [steps up next to Marcus] "This... no, this really... This really sucks".

Anthony: "Seriously, it feels like we've been shot in the fucking dick and given bad luck just for this fucking mission".

Marcus: [taps comm] "Control, we're at Timgad Central Energy".

"Copy that. What's your status?".

Marcus: [kicks door open] "Just moving in now. Wish us luck. Baird, Cole, Carmine -- take Jack and head right. Dom, Maverick -- let's get that power online".

Maverick: "I don't feel good, fuck. That Wretch really did a fucking number on me".

Marcus: "Maybe you should sit this one out".

Maverick: "Not a fucking chance".

Marcus: [sigh] "If you're sure".

Delta split up, moving swiftly into the power station to secure their objectives. Marcus, Maverick, and Dom advanced cautiously, only to come under fire from Theron's positioned on the catwalks above. The trio ducked for cover as bolts rained down around them. Maverick quickly pulled a grenade from his belt, arming it and tossing it with precision. The explosive landed squarely between the Theron's, detonating in a deafening blast that sent their bodies flying off the catwalk. With the immediate threat neutralized, the trio pushed forward, ascending the structure and cutting down several more Locust along the way.

Baird: "Marcus, I was wrong. It wasn't the Stranded tapping the grid, it was these guys. They're taking it underground. All of it".

Marcus: "Tell me you can you fix it?".

Baird: "I'm working on it --damnit, Jack! The other circuit! -- but you'll need to turn off some panels up there".

Maverick: "What are we looking for, Princess?".

Baird: "Stop calling me Princess, asshole". [sigh] "Panels, you know, green glowing lights, valves...".

Marcus: "Alright, keep doing what you can. We'll get them shut off".

The trio ascended a set of creaking stairs, the air tense with anticipation. As they climbed, a series of heavy thumps reverberated through the walls, growing louder with each step. Instinctively, they ducked into cover, peering cautiously toward a nearby window.

Outside, the massive form of a Brumak lumbered past, its enormous frame shaking the ground with each step. The creature's guttural growls echoed faintly as it disappeared from view.

Marcus: "Check it out".

Dom: "Shit! We are so screwed!".

Maverick: "Wow, Baird. When did you replace Dom? You know, 'cause I thought Baird was the only complainer of this squad".

Baird: "Fuck you".

Maverick: "We've been over this, Baird. I'm married so you gotta let go of the dream of us getting together".

Baird: "Go fuck yourself".

Before Maverick could respond, more Theron's emerged from the lower level, their weapons blazing. Moving with deliberate intensity, Maverick leaped down, landing amidst the chaos. With a powerful kick, he sent one Theron sprawling aside. In a seamless motion, he fired his pistol at another, the shot hitting its mark with deadly precision. Closing the distance, he cleaved the Theron with his Retro Lancer, the blade slicing cleanly as its head flew off in a gruesome arc. Above them, a Boomer lumbered into view, its heavy steps echoing ominously. Maverick wasted no time, drawing his Torque Bow. With practiced accuracy, he loosed an explosive arrow that struck the Boomer squarely in the chest. The resulting explosion was deafening, reducing the massive Locust to a spray of blood and debris. Regrouping quickly, Marcus, Dom, and Maverick moved to the control panels. With a synchronized effort, they shut them down simultaneously, the hum of machinery fading as their mission progressed.

Baird: "Okay, we're done... Wait. Oh, shit!".

Maverick: "Something tells me I'm not gonna like what you're gonna say, blondie".

Baird: "Power levels are good, but we need to jump the transformer polarity".

Marcus: "How do we do that?"

Baird: "We can't. We'll need a full set of tools, enough rated cable to connect two transform blocks, an interrupt to manage levels".

Dom: "What the hell? You mean we're stuck?!".

Baird: "Uh, yeah. Unless you can pull something out of your ass big enough to connect two transformers".

Marcus: "Something big enough to fit between those two things out front? I think I just solved our problem. You guys think we can get the Brumak to chase us?"

Dom: [shrugs] "Hasn't been a problem up till now".

Maverick: [wipes sweat from eyebrow] "I'm gonna leave it to you two, I feel like absolute shit".

Dom: "No problem, man. Just go get some rest".

Maverick: "See you two soon".

With the Brumak finally defeated, thanks to Marcus and Dom’s relentless assault, Delta regrouped and made their way back to the vehicles. The sound of grinding gears signaled their progress as the bridge slowly descended, clearing the path ahead at last.

Marcus: [taps comm] "Anya. Bridge power's restored and we're moving out".

"Marcus, we've lost control of the train. Now you'll have to catch it as it passes through Timgad Station".

Marcus: [grunts] "Roger that".

Dom: "Jump on a moving train and try to recapture a bomb". [snorts] "This day just keeps getting better and better".

Delta quickly climbed into their vehicles, engines roaring as they sped off at full throttle. They finally arrived at the station, wasting no time as they sprinted into the courtyard. Maverick, now looking reinvigorated after the brief rest, wore a determined expression, ready to tear through any Locust in their path. Their anticipation was met with immediate action as several Emergence Holes burst open around the courtyard. Locust soldiers and Wretches poured out, their guttural growls and snarls filling the air as Delta prepared for the fight ahead.

Maverick: "Jack, data!".

Jack decloaked with a faint hum, swiftly tossing the data device into Maverick’s waiting hand. Without missing a beat, Maverick pocketed it securely as Delta Squad turned their attention to holding back the relentless Locust assault. Suddenly, a deep, resonating horn echoed through the air, followed by the distant rumble of tracks vibrating beneath their feet. The sound grew louder, signaling the approach of something massive.

Maverick: "Anthony, let's go!".

Maverick and Anthony sprinted toward the tracks just as the train began to roar past, its wheels clanking loudly against the rails. Maverick glanced back over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of the rest of Delta Squad holding their ground, fending off the relentless waves of Grubs with unyielding determination. The battlefield behind them was a chaotic blur of gunfire and growls, but Maverick knew they had to stay focused on the mission.

Maverick: "Guys get up here!".

Marcus: "We're right behind you! Go!".

Anthony yanks Maverick and they both ran to the train tracks and landed in the last cart. Dom, Cole, Baird, and Marcus ran at the last second and watched the train speed away.

Marcus: "Ah, shit!".

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

Maverick shakes his dead and stands up with Anthony. Maverick taps his comm as Baird speaks.

Baird: "Dammit! We suck! We'll catch a ride on Raven. Sorry guys.".

Marcus: "We'll catch up as soon as we can. Good luck, you two".

Maverick: "Thanks, Marcus. Sis, what do we got?".

"Okay, the bomb is at the front of the train. And there are plenty of locust on board. You gotta get going, now".

Maverick and Anthony charged forward, cutting through waves of Locust and Theron's with relentless determination. The trail of fallen enemies marked their path as they reached the first passenger cart. Without hesitation, Anthony stepped up and tried to kick the door down, but it held firm—locked tight. He let out a frustrated grunt, glancing at Maverick for their next move.

Maverick: "Jack, open this door".

Suddenly the two heard a loud screech and look back at the last cart.

Anthony: "Oh, man. That didn't sound good".

Maverick: "Oh fuck off! Berserker!".

The berserker roars and charges down the cart towards them.

Maverick: "Sis, we're using the hammer of dawn, right now!".

"Negative, Delta, you can't. Not with those Nemacyst inking the sky".

Maverick and Anthony look up and sure enough, Nemacyst were painting the sky black.

Maverick: "God damnit. You got any ideas, Anthony?"

Anthony: "Do I look like the idea guy to you?!".

Maverick: [sigh] "Fuck me". [think] "I think I have an idea".

Maverick moved stealthily through the train, carefully avoiding drawing the attention of the hulking Berserker. His steps were measured, his breathing controlled, as he navigated past the chaos. Reaching the last car, he paused, ensuring he was in position. Once ready, he deliberately made his presence known, drawing the Berserker’s focus directly to him.

Maverick: "Hey ugly! Come and get me, I'm a nice beef snack!".

The Berserker locked onto Maverick, her massive form lumbering toward him with a guttural roar. She charged with terrifying speed, but Maverick stood his ground until the last possible second. Just as she reached him, he sidestepped with precise timing and quickly decoupled the last car. The car lurched violently, flipping off the tracks and crushing the Berserker beneath its weight. As the chaos settled, Maverick watched the scene with a satisfied smirk, letting out a delighted laugh at his perfectly executed move.

Anthony: "You're insane, you know that!".

"Maverick, the doors open. Hurry! Reavers are en-route to your position".

The two of them moved inside when Marcus came on comm.

Marcus: "Maverick! Hoffman picked us up. We're on our way".

Maverick: "Perfect, see you soon".

"Delta. Good news-- you've got chain guns on the roof of your car".

Maverick: [turns to Anthony] "You heard my sister, how about some fun?".

Anthony: "Time to ground them".

The two climbed to the top of the train, quickly taking control of the two mounted Troikas. As the sound of flapping wings grew louder, Reavers began closing in from the distance. Maverick and Anthony unleashed a relentless barrage of gunfire, their focus unwavering as they tore through the incoming swarm. After a grueling few minutes of intense fighting, the last Reaver fell from the sky in a flaming heap. Maverick glanced at Anthony with a nod of satisfaction, their job done for now.

"Mav! You've got Wretches, four cars ahead. They're cutting the power! Hurry, before they cut you loose".

Anthony: "Lets hurry up!".

Maverick and Anthony quickly opened fire, cutting down the Wretches that were clawing and gnawing at the power conduits. Their precision ensured the conduits were secure, and with the threat neutralized, they pressed forward.

"Maverick, you've got to drop that data right now!".

Maverick kicked open the door to the front cart, the heavy metal slamming against the frame. As the door swung wide, he and Anthony immediately ducked into cover, their eyes locking onto a menacing figure ahead. General RAAM stood in the center, his imposing form surrounded by a swirling swarm of Kryll, their dark, winged shapes casting eerie shadows in the dim light.

"Serve the Queen".

Maverick and Anthony glanced upward as the sound of rotors filled the air. Two Ravens soared overhead, their silhouettes cutting through the sky. One carried the rest of Delta Squad, while the other transported Hoffman—and Maverick’s twin daughters. Maverick’s expression softened momentarily at the sight, a flicker of relief crossing his face before he refocused on the task at hand.

Hoffman: "Engage!".

Cole shines a light beam at RAAM that disperses and burns the Kryll surrounding him.

Maverick: "You ready to end this, Anthony?".

Anthony: "Hell yeah".

Eliza: "You've got this, dad! Kill that son of a bitch!".

Diana: "Yeah! Fuck him up, dad! For everyone we lost!".

The two charged at RAAM with unwavering determination. As the Locust general aimed his massive Troika, Anthony and Maverick collided with him, tackling him to the ground in a violent clash. Maverick quickly knocked the Troika from RAAM’s grip, sending it skidding across the floor.

Drawing his blade, Maverick drove it into RAAM’s shoulder, but the massive Locust barely flinched, unfazed by the attack. With a guttural growl, RAAM shoved both Gears off of him with brute force, sending them flying through the air. They crashed into the nearby blocks, landing hard on their backs.

Anthony was the first to recover, scrambling to his feet and charging RAAM once more. The general countered with a devastating kick, sending Anthony sprawling near the fallen Troika. Seeing his partner down, Maverick rose to his feet and charged at RAAM again, slamming into him and forcing him to stagger back slightly. The two clashed with unrelenting ferocity, the fight far from over.

Anthony: "Mav! Get down!".

Maverick dives to the side and Anthony Maverick dove to the side as Anthony seized the opportunity, grabbing the Troika gun and opening fire. The heavy weapon roared to life, unleashing a relentless hail of bullets that tore into RAAM, riddling his massive frame. The Locust general let out a final, guttural growl before collapsing backward, lifeless, his body drenched in his own blood.

Maverick and Anthony approached cautiously, their weapons still at the ready. They stood over the fallen brute, breathing heavily as they took in the sight of the once-unstoppable foe, now defeated.

Just then a Raven appeared with Hoffman and Maverick's daughters on it.

Hoffman: "Let's do this!".

Anthony hops aboard the Raven with Eliza taking Anthony's helmet off kissing him deeply.

Maverick: "Lets end this, shit".

Maverick sprinted toward the Lightmass bomb, determination etched on his face. Reaching the access terminal, he quickly retrieved the data and slammed it into the port. The terminal beeped as the bomb powered up, its lights flickering to life, signaling it was armed and ready.

Diana: "Dad, we're on our way!".

Maverick’s eyes widened in shock as he looked ahead, realizing the tracks abruptly ended in the middle of the bridge, suspended over a vast lake of glowing Imulsion. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward the top of the platform, urgency driving his every step as the dire situation unfolded.

Maverick: "Diana, let's go!".

Hoffman’s Raven swooped in alongside the platform, attempting to reach Maverick, but was forced to pull back to avoid an overhead railing. The chopper circled around, making another approach. This time, Diana leaned out, extending her hand toward Maverick, determination etched on her face.

Diana: "Dad, reach out, please!".

At the last possible moment, Maverick leaped from the train, his hand locking onto Diana’s outstretched grip. The train plummeted into the glowing lake of Imulsion below, disappearing in a fiery cascade. Seconds later, the Lightmass bomb detonated, sending a massive plume of Imulsion surging into the air before crashing back down, a clear signal that the mission had succeeded.

Hanging onto Diana’s hand, Maverick glanced up to see Hoffman leaning over the edge of the Raven. The colonel gave him a firm nod and extended his hand. Though hesitant, Maverick swallowed his pride and accepted Hoffman’s help, allowing both Hoffman and Diana to pull him safely aboard.

Exhausted but alive, Maverick slumped onto the edge of the Raven, watching the explosions below with grim satisfaction. His daughters sat beside him, offering a silent comfort, while Anthony joined him, equally transfixed by the destruction.

As the Ravens ascended into the smoke-filled sky, Hoffman’s voice started narrating.

Hoffman: "Earlier today, your Gears successfully deployed the Lightmass bomb. We have destroyed the enemy stronghold. This war has exacted a heavy price from all of us. It has torn our world apart. But you have my word that we will rise again".

From a distance, a figure clad in Locust armor stood silently atop a massive, winged Reaver. The woman’s piercing gaze was fixed on the explosions below, the fiery plumes illuminating her stoic expression as she observed the destruction from above.

Queen Myrrah: "They do not understand. They do not know why we wage this war. WHY we cannot stop. WILL not stop. Why we will fight, and fight and fight.... Until we win... or we die... And we are not dead yet".

BOOM! That's the end of Gears of War! Now, this book will also have 2 but! 3-5 will be a different book, thanks for reading and see y'all again soon, peace!