The operation to extract Viktor Antonov from Megacity 1 of the West Asia Grid had been organized by Buck, commander of the defectors’ army former soldiers of the Overlords who had established their main strongholds in abandoned military installations deep within the wastelands between the North America and South America Grids.
Across the Wastelands of the world, former soldiers of the Overlords had taken different paths as defectors. Some maintained hidden settlements, communicating through forgotten military frequencies and sharing intelligence with resistance cells inside the Grids. Others chose isolation, wandering the wastelands or settling in abandoned cities, determined to leave the Grid system behind forever.
The Russian settlement in Siberia belonged to the first group.
Inside a communications room, Viktor watched as Buck appeared on a video screen.
“You know why you’re here,” Buck said.
“I know you helped me escape. Nothing more.”
A map of South America Grid appeared behind him.
“We are preparing an operation to liberate Megacity 4. If we succeed, it will become the first free city inside the Grids and a symbol for every resistance movement on Earth.”
Buck pointed toward the city.
“But none of that is possible while the Barrier remains active.”
Viktor immediately understood.
“You want my expertise.”
“You helped develop the technologies that evolved into modern Barrier systems. You understand implants, cybernetics, shielding, and defensive fields better than anyone.”
Buck paused.
“You also spent years selling that knowledge to Tech Cartels and fighting against the very people who later helped you escape.”
The words landed heavily.
“I’m giving you an opportunity,” Buck continued. “Help us disable the Barrier and create technologies that serve free people instead of the Overlords. Prove that you’re more than your past.”
“And if I refuse?”
“We’ll give you a vehicle, fuel, supplies, and a month’s head start into the Siberian Wastelands. Then your future is your own.”
The transmission ended.
Later that night, Viktor climbed to the rooftop of the settlement and lay beneath the vast Siberian sky. Above him, countless stars burned in the darkness.
For the first time in years, nobody was buying his skills, hunting him, or giving him orders.
Buck had offered him something far more dangerous than survival.
A choice.
As the cold wind crossed the wastelands, Viktor Antonov stared into the stars and wondered whether redemption was still possible—or whether some ghosts were meant to follow a man forever.
Innate Trigger : A Choice Beneath the Siberian Sky
Release date : 22 – 6 – 2026
Music by : Innate Trigger
