Swordsmoke: The Trench

An Underworld Original

Marc and Strider try Norman’s radio—nothing. Marc orders Phillip to track him using the signal in his jacket. “Today’s the day,” Marc says as Phillip heads out. Marc, Strider, Ellie, and James arm up for Jack, Shepard, and Gunn. Jack admits doubt. He killed Bo, and Marc may be next. Shepard reminds him Marc let Grace die. Gunn radios: Marc’s scouts were seen. They prepare the trap. Marc’s team arrives. Strider stays with Ellie. Marc goes with James, watching him carefully. Deeper inside, James admits he hates what he’s done but wants this over. Elsewhere Strider warns Ellie James won’t stay loyal. Ellie snaps—she once liked Strider, but the more he talks, the less he impresses her. Gunn appears, pinning them down. Marc and James advance until James is shot in the leg. Jack emerges as Shepard ties James. Marc tells Jack he’s fallen far. Jack fires back—Marc hated him after learning he loved Alice, Marc's wife, and when she died Marc abandoned him. Marc pleads for peace, but Jack opens fire. Marc tackles him, they fight until Marc grabs Jack’s shotgun and blasts Jack’s face, leaving him disfigured. Shepard flees. Marc frees James. They rush to Ellie and Strider—Gunn has Ellie cornered and Strider down. James fires a clean shot into Gunn’s neck. They escape back to camp. Marc declares it’s over. Jack and Shepard won’t take this island. It’s theirs now—time to rebuild the Agency. Ghost lives again. Marc’s radio buzzes. A message—from Norman. Coordinates. The screen cuts to black.

Story added by underworld_stories on December 1, 2025