《A Talon Universe story - Book 0 - Draft》


 ONE

    ONE


    Port B-22, Abaddon Station, Tartarus Sectors


    May 23rd, 2505


    The dilapidated conditions of Port B-22 made it an excellent spot for illicit deals underneath the watchful eyes of the crime syndicate running Abaddon Station. In abandoned places like these, local and small-time criminals can do their business without a Skaro Syndicate¡¯s watchdog breathing down their neck.


    Such as the case with the two dark-clothed smugglers standing at the far side of the port. Their client arrived momentarily, standing on the other side with a briefcase.


    ¡°You got the goods?¡± One of them asked. The client, a double-eared Vernusen, carefully slid the briefcase to the smugglers. The briefcase was opened, revealing itself empty. ¡°Nera sends her regards¡± said the client in an ominous tone. Without pause, the two smugglers fell, the side of their heads marked a hole.


    ¡°Targets down, Rangers." The client answered on his earpiece.


    ¡°Affirmative, Polop. Stand by.¡± Polop stood by, keeping his eyes on the Ranger duo coming in his periphery.


    Special Tactics and Recon, STAR, or better known as Rangers are an elite paramilitary force nestled in the Frontier Regions of the Galaxy. Their primary goal being keeping the Human Colonies of the Frontier Regions free from United Human Dominion¡¯s control, a plutocratic human superpower.


    As with any faction, big or small, there are rumors about the Rangers. That they used to be the UHD¡¯s secret unit to unleash against any dissent that could threaten the dominion, that they have a secret directive that allows them extrajudicial privileges to denounce and abolish a superpower in case it failed in its mission of safeguarding humanity, or they have untold number of their comrades in cryo ready for activation, the list goes on


    But those are just rumors, Polop thought. Pushing his thoughts aside, He crossed his arms while the Ranger duo Hawk and Grim arrived in tow. He gestured them towards the dead ¡°clients¡±, giving the Rangers some space. They searched through the belongings, not finding anything explicitly incriminating, until¡­


    ¡°Found something.¡±, Grim muttered, revealing a flash drive in her hand towards Hawk. ¡°Its encrypted.¡±, Hawk took the drive and put in her pocket for safekeeping. She switch her comms on, ¡°Eagle Actual. This is Eagle 1. We acquired a package from the ¡®¡¯clients¡¯¡¯. Requesting exfil.¡±


    ¡°Copy Eagle 1. Make your way there. Over.¡±, the comms closed off, Hawk felt coldly, silently noticing an IR laser on her shoulder, likewise with Grim and Polop. ¡°Down!¡±, She shouted as she and Grim dived below the railing before they met purchase with projectiles. Polop was not so lucky, with him shot over and collapsing.


    Projectiles whizzed while both Rangers in cover. ¡°I hear gunfire, Eagle 1. Report.¡±, Hawk¡¯s R-COMM pinged while shooting her rifle at the hostiles, ¡°Hostiles shooting at us from from the side exit, Actual.¡±


    ¡°Hold position, Eagle One. We¡¯re on our way in 3 mikes. Out.¡±, Hawk cursed, as hostiles kept shooting. She glanced back at Grim, nodding at her. Grim nodded in return, throwing a smoke grenade in their enemy¡¯s LoS.


    The hostiles fired through the smoke, but couldn¡¯t find purchase. As the mist of smoke dissipated, they find the Rangers were not in cover. They search for a few seconds, finding nothing except the dead body of Polop. One of them spits on it, cursing in his own language. Within moments, one of them fell on the floor. In panic, they sight their weapons to find a good shot. But one by one, they fall. As the last of them hugs a wall, he breathes heavily, trying to collect himself. He felt a hand in his mouth, then felt blood spill from his throat, gurgling, life slipping out.


    ¡°Eagle Actual, this is Eagle One. Hostiles down.¡± Hawk pings with her R-COMM, awaiting a response. ¡°Affirmative, Eagle One. What about Polop?¡±.


    Hawk glanced at Grim who was checking in Polop. Grim shook her head. Hawk sighed, ¡°Polop¡¯s KIA.¡±, the silence went for a few seconds. ¡°Understood, I¡¯ll inform Nera. Make your way out of this port. Out.¡±, Hawk¡¯s R-COMM was cut. ¡°Nera isn¡¯t gonna be happy.¡± Grim remarked coldly, Hawk glanced at her, ¡°Is she ever happy?¡±.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Grim shrugged, ¡°Probably not. Package still in one piece?¡±, Hawk brought the drive from her pocket, showing it is still intact. But before they make their leave, Hawk takes a few captures using her helmet to ascertain the hostiles she and Grim killed and had saved it. Those hostiles were dressed in crimson-colored gear. But aside from that, both Rangers have no idea who they are.


    ¡°Smart. Alright, let¡¯s get the fuck outta here and see what colorful insults Nera will have in store for us.¡± Grim remarked sarcastically, making her way out of Port B.


    ¡°Cheeky, Grim.¡± Hawk retorted, following her comrade in turn.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Tension filled the air in Nera¡¯s office. The office itself was filled with amenities that a crime boss desires. Shelves, a desk, and a poker table for some old-fashioned gambling. Hawk and Grim glanced to Nera as she looked coldly at Ranger Raptor, aka Eagle Actual. Among the crime bosses that form up the higher-echelon of Skaro Syndicate, many of them are ruthless, share no empathy nor mercy, and use fear to take a firm hold in their territories, regardless of the damage it could cause to the populace of Abbadon Station.


    The Vernusen Nera, on the other hand, has been well known to use generosity to help the people living in her territory; education, cultural venues, and so forth. Of course, that generosity happens to be funded by smuggling, raiding, and the occasional murder/rivalry between the other Skaro crime bosses. Still, she helped the Rangers on ocassion, which was a boon for their operations in these sectors. But just like any other crime bosses, Nera has limits.


    ¡°So¡­ Raptor. Mind explaining me how the ambush went south and one of my subordinates was killed?¡± Nera asked coldly, her eyes narrowly gazed towards Raptor. Raptor took a breath, then spoke ¡°As I said, a dozen of hostiles intercepted the deal. They must have been sent by a rival organization or a third party.¡±


    Nera¡¯s face twisted, not wanting to believe in vague answers. ¡°Do you¡­ have a proof for this claim?¡±, Raptor glanced at Hawk, and gestured. Hawk came forward, plugging a wire from Nera¡¯s portable device to a port in her helmet. ¡°I have made a few captures of the hostiles we dealt with through my helmet. All I can tell is that they were wearing gear colored in crimson.¡±


    As Nera looked through those captures, her face went cold, as if she looked at something she wished she didn¡¯t know. ¡°Fucking hell, Crimson Dawn.¡± Nera hissed.


    ¡°Crimson Dawn?¡± Raptor asked,


    ¡°Interstellar Private Contractors. Works for whoever pays them the highest. Nasty and dangerous. They were known for their involvement in the Hilvari Incident. Got investigated, but no evidence came up for their guilt. Scuttlebutt says the investigators were murdered or disappeared by them.¡± Nera clarified, sharing what she knew.


    Raptor glanced at Hawk for a moment, then returned her gaze towards the crime boss. ¡°Do they use smugglers to transport contraband and illicit items?¡±, She asked. Nera narrowed her eyes at Raptor, trying to ascertain the Ranger¡¯s intent. ¡°Mostly third-party, but only if they have a secret code. Why?¡±


    Raptor glanced again to Hawk, whom she gestured towards. Hawk nodded and stepped forward. Nera¡¯s eyes went wide and understood. ¡°I see. But I should warn you it would not be easy. It¡¯ll require years of building trust and commerce with them in order to enter their inner sanctum.¡±, Nera gestured her hand towards Hawk. ¡°But is she up to the task?¡±


    ¡°Hawk is one of the Rangers I trust the most on this mission, Miss Nera. I wouldn¡¯t delegate this task to anyone else.¡±, Raptor looked at Grim, her body language showing a level of apprehension.


    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll make arrangements in the next few weeks. And please, call me Nera.¡±, she gestured them to leave the office. The three Rangers nodded and left in return. The hallway outside the office was empty and dirty, only dim lights and two. To keep it discreet, the Rangers agreed to go to an apartment to discuss things.


    A little later, the Rangers go to an apartment in the Exitium District owned by one certain smuggler codenamed Magpie. She is well known for a years as a reputable smuggler who could find and sell contraband that are rare or not easy to attain. That reputation made her enemies with other smugglers, though given her combat experience, they stay out of reach. Hoping one day she¡¯ll slip and take the advantage.


    As they entered the apartment, Hawk felt tense and anxious, given the upcoming mission she¡¯s being delegated to. Raptor could tell the weight of this mission it puts on her comrade a she put a hand on her shoulder. ¡°I understand if you¡¯re stressed, Kate. But you and Grim are FSTR (First Strategic Action Recon) agents. Our assignment depends on finding more about Crimson Dawn and their agenda. This is a high-risk mission, so I won¡¯t blame you if you want out. But it wouldn¡¯t be easy finding a fitting agent for this than you two.¡±


    Hawk took a deep breath, looking at Raptor. ¡°I¡¯ve been in this for a few years, Emilia. I won¡¯t quit just because it¡¯s gonna be tough.¡± Raptor nodded. ¡°Alright, you¡¯ll need to be within two days. Briefing will come at 1 PM sharp. Be there.¡± Hawk nodded intently, then went to the other room in the apartment to get things ready.


    Raptor looked at Grim, ¡°Taylor, can I trust you to keep an eye on Kate Hawkins for this mission? As a friend?¡±, Grim looked to where Hawk went, then glanced back to Raptor. ¡°She¡¯s my best friend, Emilia. I¡¯ll try to keep her grounded. I¡¯m more worried about her in regards the fight against the UHD (United Human Dominion). I¡¯m sure you read what happened few years after that massacre in Primus, right?¡±


    Raptor nodded, given she read Hawk¡¯s background in her dossier. Psychological assessment stated concerns that her hatred against the UHD could come to borderline obsession. ¡°I do. Which is why I need you with Hawk if things go south. She¡¯s one of our best, but can be impulsive at times.¡±


    Grim chuckled a bit, ¡°I¡¯ve grown up with her, Emmy. I know how to use her impulsiveness to our advantages and reign it in if need be.¡±, Raptor scoffed, ¡°Emilia, Taylor.¡±,


    ¡°In any case, I¡¯ll leave you two to get ready. In the meantime, I¡¯ll have a data ship on standby to ensure secure comms. Dismissed.¡± Both Rangers bumped fist two times near their left shoulder in solidarity, then Raptor left the apartment.¡±


    Grim went to Hawk¡¯s room where she looked at her friend getting ready like there¡¯s no tomorrow. She sighed slightly. Their mission is gonna be a tough one. But then again, Grim never ran away from a challenge.

 TWO

    TWO


    Safehouse, Quadrant D, Abaddon Station


    June 18th, 2505


    Agents Kate ¡°Hawk¡± Hawkins; codename Magpie and Taylor ¡°Grim¡± Baker are being briefed on their past


    Inside the safehouse, the architecture looks quite industrial. While Hawk kept herself busy in her smuggler identity, maintaining the lesson she learned in First Action Strategic Recon training, Making alliances is key to accomplishing your mission, a one important lesson that she learned. Of course, not all alliances are equal. Some are established through greasing the palms or doing favors for shifty characters. Considering the circumstances, FSTR is willing to do such alliances if it meant furthering their goals.


    Hawk and Grim were in the briefing room with the communication screen at the wall with Raptor in tow. The screen opened, revealing Major Kyle Harper of the Frontier Defense Alliance, callsign Overwatch, a weathered-looking man with a dark skin and greying hair. ¡°Rangers, you¡¯re here. Good. Here¡¯s the skinny¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve established contact with an Ilikeer who works third-party for Crimson Iron. Says he has valuable intel about their plans. This will be a covert mission, so you¡¯ll be inserted to Quadrant D wearing inconspicuous clothing to maintain plausible deniability at all costs. That sector is home to one crime boss, Malice. Nasty piece of work. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard of her considering the run-in your fellow Rangers had with her back in the late 90s.¡±


    Overwatch wasn¡¯t wrong. Rangers did have a run-in with the crime boss. It was not pleasant to say the least. ¡°We do, sir. Quiet and simple.¡± Hawkins stated. Harper shifted his mouth, feeling skeptical ¡°We¡¯ll see. Hawkins, you¡¯ll be in the Hollow¡¯s Den to make contact with the Ilikeer client. Baker, you¡¯ll be on Overwatch on Building A1¡¯s rooftop and keep sight on the client. Understood¡±


    Both Lieutenants nodded, understanding their assignment. ¡°Excellent. The mission will commence in three days. Here¡¯s your equipment for the mission.¡±


    The communication screen shifted, showing two screens of equipment meant for Hawk and Grim. First off was the lightweight Ranger armor for both Rangers.


    Then, for Hawk;  Domino Arms DA85 Assault Rifle/ED45 sidearm, and a spotter scope.


    And, for Grim: Keeler Industries KI-8 Marksman Rifle, Holdor Dynamics HD7 Submachine Gun, and a spotter scope.


    ¡°Good luck, Lieutenants¡± Major Harper saluted, then the screen goes black. Hawk, Grim, and Raptor bumped fists, with the latter wishing them luck.


    Time to get to work.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Three days later, Magpie was in her element her assignment, readying herself to establish contact with a third-party client working for Crimson Iron. [[Overwatch to Magpie. How copy?]], Magpie felt the buzz in her left ear and clicked it, ¡°On site, Overwatch. Awaiting contact with the client.¡±


    [[Understood. Will be radio silent until you gather the intel. Remember uyour poject Overwatch out.]], Overwatch responded. Considering the briefing she got a few days before, Magpie understood the circumstances. Overwatch closed their call, leaving for Magpie to call Case, ¡°Case, are you in position?¡±


    [[Affirmative. On the rooftops of Building A1, overlooking four entrances to the Hollow¡¯s Den.]]


    ¡°Confirm visual on the client as soon he makes his way to the Den. He will be wearing a dark purple cloak for disguise. He¡¯ll make his way to the right side entrance, so you¡¯ll have a perfect vantage point on the front side of Building A1¡¯s rooftop¡±


    [[Rog¡¯. Good luck out there, Kate. Case out.]], Case¡¯s comm went out. Magpie sighed for a moment, then focused her sights on the ongoings in the Den. Buzzing with activity, chatter, deals, and laughter. And also the usual fist-fighting between customers wanting a piece of illicit items.


    She then shifted her eyes towards the outfit she was wearing. A dark green trenchcoat, red scarf, blue armored vest, dark boots and pants with thigh pads. A fitting outfit for a FSTR agent working undercover as a notorious smuggler of the Tartarus Sectors. Can never be too careful in these parts.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this¡±, Magpie murmured.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Building A1 rooftop, south-east from the right side entrance to Hollow¡¯s Den, Quadrant D


    Agent Taylor ¡°Grim¡± Baker; codename Case, maintaining watch on the client.


    Building A1, a 4-story apartment complex, wide enough to house different kinds of people living Quadrant D; Criminals, workers, just simple people trying to live a simple life. For Case, its rooftop is a perfect vantage to maintain watch on the target.


    Were she wearing the Ranger Armor, her presence would be conspicuous. Thankfully, as a FSTR agent, she blended well and took the stairs to the rooftop with no trouble wearing a simple dark blue jeans, a brown leather jacket with white shirt underneath. And a grey balaclava mask, to keep her identity secure.


    The rooftop itself had no other people there, thus making Case¡¯s job easier.


    Case readied her S41-D Sniper Rifle on the ledge, using its 3 level variable scope to sight towards the right side entrance for Hollow¡¯s Den to maintain perfect sight picture.


    Case took deep breaths, inhale then exhale, as she kept looking people coming in and out of the Den. Within a few minutes, she found her mark. An Ilikeer wearing dark purple cloak making his way to the right side entrance. From her sight, he looked like an avian crossed with prey, hind leg, and webbed feet. As the Ilikeer made it to the entrance,  he stopped for a moment and shifted his head left.


    Case couldn¡¯t clearly see what the Ilikeer was doing due to his cloak hiding his face. She sighted a little further went further through the scope, finding the Ilikeer¡¯s head had shifted left. Within seconds, he made inside the Den.


    Case felt suspicious, wondering if the Ilikeer is being followed or just making sure he¡¯s secure. Regardless, the mark was found and is making his way to Magpie.


    She pushed the FSTR-COMM button on her left shoulder. While the STAR¡¯s communication system is secure and well known to be uncrackable, FSTR uses its own communication system to maintain operational security and prevent interception by enemy intelligence. As such, FSTR agents are required to have data ships in their sectors to maintain full communications on the other side of the galaxy with their handlers. One such data ship, masquerading as a supply freighter, was docked in Quadrant A.


    ¡°Case to Magpie. Target marked, he¡¯s heading your way. Be advised, he may be followed. Expect contact, over.¡± ,Case called up


    [[Affirm. Will maintain vigilance. Stay radio dark unless needed. Out.]], Magpie responded. Case holstered her S41-D and put her FSTR-COMM on radio silence, only allowing pings from Magpie or other FSTR agents just in case.


    Case sighed slightly, looking towards the Hollow¡¯s Den. From the outside, it looks like a big shell filled with different kinds of light.


    ¡°Good thing I love a challenge.¡±, Case smirked beneath her mask.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Magpie tapped her feet, leaning on a dark corner not far from the side exits. As she waited for the client, her mind drifted into thoughts; of her family, of her homeland. For a moment, she wonders how her family are holding up, especially with they have been through ever since the massacre of 2490. During that time, she lost her sister Anya in the chaos of the massacre. Or so it seemed.


    As the client approached nearby, Magpie pushed away the thoughts, focusing her gaze on the cloaked Ilikeen. She and the Ilikeen exchanged glances, then the latter spoke first, ¡°Hello, human friend. Would you perhaps have a stock of Seeker Drones in your inventory today?¡±, leaving a smile.


    It was a covert sign, ¡°Mine¡¯s in the freighter.¡±, Magpie spoke with a countersign. The Ilikeen dropped the act, ¡°Hmmm, you¡¯re not very armed. A boon or death sentence. Could go either way.¡±


    As the Ilikeen reached his pocket, Magpie rolled her eyes, not amused by his rhetoric. He hands the agent of what looks like folded paper map. Less susceptible from being intercepted, Magpie mused. She opened the map, revealing a blueprint sketch of a port. Port C-10, as its written on the top of the paper map. The agent examines the front and side entrances as well as a few ventilation shafts that could be used for recon.


    The Ilikeen client pointed his finger to two ventilation shafts. ¡°Shaft 1 connects to an area near the left side entrance and takes you to the side catwalk. Shaft 2 connects near the customs security section and will take you on the top catwalk overlooking the center of the port. Crimson Iron officials will be meeting with Malice in two hours.¡±


    Magpie nodded, ¡°Understood. Appreciate the info.¡±, She folded the map, putting it into her pocket. The Ilikeen then shifts his body, ¡°Fortune graces you, Ranger. And remember, we never spoke.¡±, he takes his leave from the dark corner and leaving Magpie¡¯s sight.


    Magpie opens her FSTR-COMM and calls for Case. ¡°Case, I¡¯ve met the client. We have a meeting in Port C-10. Two hours.¡±


    [[Understood, Magpie. Best get dressed up fast, don¡¯t wanna miss the opportunity.]], Case remarked cheekily. Magpie chuckled, ¡°You¡¯ll probably dress prettier than me.¡±


    [[Yeah, nah. You have a husband, so that gives you a leg-up, yeah?]]


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Magpie shrugged. Pushing the banter aside, ¡°Meet me at the RV in 15 minutes.¡±


    [[Affirmative, boss. Case over and out.]], the call ended. Magpie then called Overwatch on comms. ¡°Overwatch, we have confirmation of a Crimson Iron meeting in Port C-10 in 2 hours. How copy?¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    She awaited their response, wondering whether the mission continues or not. [[Understood, Magpie. Get to the port and record that meeting. We need any intel we can get of their intentions.]], Overwatch responded.


    ¡°Understood, Magpie copies. Out.¡±, She closes the call and marks the RV point for herself and Case. Intel gathering has been completed, now it¡¯s time for strategy and recon. What First Strategic Action Recon Unit agents are best at.


    And the occasional combat engagements, Magpie mused.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Port C-10, Quadrant D, Abbadon Station


    Agents Kate ¡°Hawk¡± Hawkins; codename Magpie and Taylor ¡°Grim¡± Baker; codename Case are doing recon on a Crimson Iron meeting.


    Port C-10 looked clean and filled with a number of Crimson Iron combatants and Malice¡¯s guys doing patrol and standing in their post. In the far side of the port is a docked ship, almost rectangular shape and designed for function rather for form. At the top catwalks overlooking the center of the port, two of Malice¡¯s guards lied down, throat cut, and blood seeping on the floor.


    Magpie and Case infiltrated the port through the shaft from the customs security station. They were wearing a light-weight Ranger armor, just in case they find themselves in a conflict. Magpie¡¯s assault rifle and sidearm were holstered, allowing her to use the spotter scope. Meanwhile, Case equipped herKI-8 Marksman Rifle to maintain watch against hostiles who could spot them. Luckily for them, the top catwalk is empty, leaving more room to maneuver.


    Magpie kept eye on the meeting between Malice and a Crimson Iron official who was wearing a crimson-colored uniform, while Case maintained watch with her MMR to keep watch of any potential compromise. Through the spotter, Magpie could hear the conversation via the device¡¯s microphone detector.


    ¡°I trust that your people have been moving our supplies discreetly?¡±, asked the Crimson Iron official. ¡°That is correct, my friend. Nera and the rest of the syndicate are not aware of what¡¯s inside. As far as they¡¯re concerned, those supply crates belong to my organization and none is the wiser.¡±


    The official moved alongside with Malice as they toured across the port. Magpie and Case kept tailing them to hear more. ¡°The Trotsinan Empire and United Human Dominion have been on a Cold War for decades. They like to pretend that everything is fine and normal, not caring of anything happening outside their domains.¡±, Malice remarked. ¡°They care only for their own interests, Malice. That is why I must present you something.¡±, the official remarked as he and Malice moved to where the Crimson¡¯s docked ship to present her something.


    A huge metal crate makes its way to the catwalk from the ship through a floating carrier. After the carrier sits down, the official opens the crate, revealing a ball-like device connected with four drill-like devices and a small terminal connected to the circle as well. ¡°This is the PK-N device. Planet Killer-Nuclear, It was well used during the Second Cybaran War against planets and territories that were occupied by the Cybar.¡±


    Magpie gritted her teeth behind her helmet, grimacing. ¡°Steamin¡¯ hell¡±, Case hissed.


    Malice looked around the PK-N device, rubbing her chin. ¡°What of the Frontier Defense Alliance? They have an interest in seeing the UHD come to an end.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, which is why we¡¯re planning to put serial numbers and markings used by the Trotsin Imperials, plant a number of these devices them to a few FDA planets. When the time is right, we detonate them in FDA outposts and have the Empire implicated in these attacks. Give the FDA an excuse to wage war against them. With two enemies at once, their resources will be depleted and ensuring the UHD¡¯s continued survival.¡±


    Malice chuckled, seeing amusement at such measures the official, and moreover, Crimson Iron are taking in tipping the balance of power. ¡°You Crimson Iron folks are quite wicked in your methods. I admire it.¡±, She brought her hand to the official, with the latter reciprocating and shaking hands with the crime boss.


    ¡°When will this PK-N devices be shipped in FDA planets?¡±, Malice asked. The official nodded, ¡°In six months, we need to maintain infiltration in order for our mission to succeed.¡± ¡°Indeed. We must be always be wary of any kind of infiltration¡±, Malice growled, gazing her sight at the top catwalk. Pushing a button on her wrist device, Port C-10 goes into high alert. ¡°Por fortuna, my friend.¡±, Malice shouted to the official as he enters his ship in haste. The ship broke from its docking, getting ready to leave. Not wasting time, Magpie used the spotter scope and pushed a capture button to make screenshots of the ship as it left the port. ¡°We have to go, now!¡±, Case emphasized.


    ¡°Okay, okay. Let¡¯s go.¡±, Magpie murmured as she and Case runs their way, shooting their weapons at Malice¡¯s people and some Crimson Iron mercs. Case throws a smoke grenade to the vent shaft where they came from, allowing her and Magpie concealment as they crawl their way out. Malice¡¯s troops and Crimson Iron mercs kept shooting at the smoke. Malice put a hand on one of her own, demanding ¡®em to stop firing. As the smoke dissipated, the intruders were nowhere to be found. ¡°Inform our troops, these intruders must be found and brought to my custody.¡±, Malice ordered her trooper, who nodded in return and used his comms to call for other units.


    Meanwhile, Magpie and Case ran their way across Quadrant D, avoiding any green-colored bad guy in their periphery, lest they get shot up. During the run, Magpie¡¯s comm buzzed, [[Overwatch to Magpie. What¡¯s going on there?]]


    ¡°We¡¯ve been made. Need immediate extract!¡±, Magpie shouted. [[Okay, there¡¯s a hatch half a click north-east of your position with a tunnel that will take you to Quadrant A. Nera¡¯s people will wait for you there.]], the comms call closed off with the location marked on their huds. Magpie and Case kept running while direct energy and ballistic fire whizzed by them, seconds feeling like minutes with their enemy right on their tail. Fortunately for the two, they found the hatch and made their way there. The hatch was opened, revealing two of Nera¡¯s troops shooting at Malice¡¯s. During their entry, a yelp could be heard.


    ¡°Magpie!¡±, Case shouted as she looked at her friend¡¯s wound. A direct energy fire hit her cybernetic arm, causing it to crackle and facing shut down. She grabbed Magpie by the right arm, ready to move. ¡°We need to move before they open up!¡±


    One of Nera¡¯s troops shouted. Case nodded, holding Magpie¡¯s right arm to her neck and putting her hand on the waist, moving ahead ahead towards the tunnel.


    Magpie couldn¡¯t speak, focusing more on the pain her cyber-arm is going through, hissing. ¡°You¡¯re gonna make it, mate. You¡¯re a survivor¡±, Case said to Magpie, encouraging her to fight on.


    Magpie still couldn¡¯t speak, but she could hear her friend¡¯s encouragement. Yeah, I¡¯m a survivor.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Safehouse, Quadrant A, Abaddon Station


    June 25th, 2505


    Agents Kate ¡°Hawk¡± Hawkins; codename Magpie and Taylor ¡°Grim¡± Baker; codename Case being debriefed.


    It¡¯s been a couple of days since the operation. Despite the injury that Magpie, or rather, Hawk in this case sustained in her cybernetic arm, actionable intel on the Crimson Iron has been acquired. And Hawk¡¯s arm was fixed after some much needed help from certain mechanics. Mechanics who prefer to be inconspicuous and away from eyes and ears except for certain clients. Rangers and their covert unit FSTR happen to be one of those clients. Inside the safehouse, the place is clean, or rather too clean for a safehouse. Hawk and Grim were in the briefing room alongside Raptor, awaiting for Overwatch to come online the communication screen. For Hawk, she wore a gray Ranger shirt and dark blue pants revealing her brown skin color and short dark hair that only reached her neck. While for Grim, she wore a gray Ranger shirt and dark blue pants as well in addition to a half-mask that only reveals the upper side of her face, revealing her fair skin color, brown hair, and her green eyes.


    Meanwhile, Raptor herself wore a blue Ranger shirt and black pants, showing her face that could speak of a German heritage. Blonde hair, and blue eyes. She could be the role model for UHD troops to aspire. Good thing she ain¡¯t no UHD loyalist, Grim mused to herself.


    The communication screen came online, revealing Overwatch. ¡°Major Kyle Harper.¡±, Raptor greeted him with a salute. Harper gestured Raptor to be at ease, in which she obliged. ¡°Explain, Captain Wolf. Explain how the fuck Malice and her troops knew of our infiltration?¡±


    Hawk stepped up, ¡°Major, all due respect, we couldn¡¯t have¡­¡±,


    ¡°With all due respect, Lieutenant Hawkins.¡± Harper emphasized her rank and name in his interruption, ¡°The mission was clear. Maintain plausible deniability at all costs. Go in, gather intel and recon, then go out. And now Malice and her motherfucking army are scouring Quadrant D to look for you and Lieutenant Baker. The only reason your head is intact is because you¡¯re not in her fucking territory.¡±


    Hawkins wanted to talk back at the major, giving him the finger. She glanced at Wolf, who looked at her calmly that says I got this, Kate.


    Wolf glanced back to Harper, ¡°Sir, all due respect, but Malice has always had a grudge against STAR and FSTR for years. We¡¯ve been a thorn in her side ever since. It shouldn¡¯t be a surprise that she¡¯d take measures to mark her territory against us or even anticipate us in her way of the woods.¡±


    Harper sighed, rubbing his nose. ¡°Sure you could¡¯ve done anything to get past the writing in the wall, Captain?¡± Baker rolled her eyes, feeling like this is less of a debrief and more of an interrogation. Wolf tensed, but relaxed her shoulders, resolving in defusing the argument, ¡°All this reprimanding means nothing while we have actionable that both Lieutenants Hawkins and Baker managed to intercept. So, let us focus on the intel.¡±


    Seeing the argument that Wolf made, Major Harper relaxed himself and gestured his hand for Wolf to share the intel.


    ¡°We have intel that Crimson Iron is working with Malice to covertly smuggling PK-N devices to FDA outposts in different planets. Marking them with Trostinan serial numbers and markings to implicate the Empire. If successful, things could escalate to a full-scale war with the imperials. We already have our hands full with the UHD, Major. We can¡¯t afford two wars at once.¡± Wolf stated.


    ¡°And how exactly would they manage to smuggle these devices to our territories? We have ships that patrol our planets.¡± Major Harper stated. Hawkins shook her head, dismissive at the Major¡¯s arrogance. ¡°Which is exactly what they plan to do, Major. Hit us while we¡¯re complacent. Lieutenant Hawkins managed to capture a screenshots of one of their ships.¡±, Wolf sent the pictures remotely to the Major.


    In the screen, Harper sees the pictures and examines them, ¡°I see. So, when do they plan to send these nuclear doomsday devices?¡±


    ¡°In six months, which is why we should double up ship patrols and do monthly inspections on the far northern clusters of our Frontier, Major. We can¡¯t afford to stay complacent.¡±


    Major Harper shifted his head for a moment, rubbing his neck. ¡°I¡¯ll do what I can from here, Captain. But I can¡¯t promise perfection. Some of us¡­¡± he interrupted himself, ¡°Some FDA groups only care in the fight against UHD and nothing more, consequences be damned.¡±


    Wolf nodded, ¡°I understand, Majo. We¡¯ll try to intercept any unauthorized flights on our end.¡±


    ¡°Of course. You¡¯re Rangers. Best of the best. Major Kyle Harper out.¡± Harper¡¯s screen went dark. The three Rangers sighed heavily. ¡°What an asshole.¡± Wolf hissed.


    ¡°Knowing him, he¡¯ll ignore the order and leave us to clean the mess.¡± Baker remarked cheekily, not being fond of the Major himself. ¡°Let¡¯s be real, Taylor, you don¡¯t like anybody.¡±, Hawkins retorted. ¡°True, but I do like you, and Ahmed, and Emilia.¡± Baker bumped fists with Hawkins.


    ¡°So what¡¯s next, Captain?¡± Hawkins asked. Wolf looked at the wall for a moment, taking a deep breath, then glancing back to her fellow Ranger. ¡°Pack your bags in a few days. You¡¯ll be sent to the Imperial Capital Planet, Trotsin for 3 months. Solo op.¡±


    Hawkins¡¯ eyes widened, ¡°Wha.. What about the nukes?¡± Wolf flicked through her data device, ¡°I have other agents to take care of it.¡±, Hawkins and Baker looked at each other, then looked back to Wolf, ¡°What about me, Emilia?¡± Baker asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be sent to a secret op in the Trotsin Empire territory. Scuttlebutt says there¡¯s been a feud between one of their planets and the Imperials. They¡¯d like to keep it discreet. It¡¯s solo and in your element, Lieutenant. Tradecraft and Containment.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this, Captain.¡±, Hawkins stated bluntly. ¡°I understand, Lieutenant. And I get that¡­¡± Wolf stopped for a moment, looking at Baker for a moment. Given the personal history between the two, she didn¡¯t want to breach to old wounds. ¡°But the Empress herself asked you for this mission, personally. She couldn¡¯t rely on anyone else.¡±


    Hawkins looked down on the floor for a moment, then shifted her eyes back to Wolf. ¡°I understand, Captain. Give me a few days to prep and I¡¯ll be ready.¡± Hawkins saluted and left the briefing room to pack up.


    ¡°Solo Ops, yeah? Don¡¯t want us get too close to the case¡± Baker sniped. Wolf nodded. ¡°Yeah. We haven¡¯t had a great reputation for almost two decades now. If only there¡¯s something we can do to win this war.¡±


    ¡°I get it, Emmy. Not everyone in the FDA are fond of us and would¡¯ve preferred to do things their way.¡±


    ¡°Well, I gotta get ready too. Like you said, need to be in my element. See ya.¡± Baker left the briefing room as well, leaving Wolf by herself.


    Emilia ¡°Raptor¡± Wolf couldn¡¯t help but smile sadly upon those two. Both of them went through a lot when they were kids and were best friends since. No, not just best friends. Family, Wolf corrected herself.


    What worries her the most is not Baker, she can take care of herself. But Hawkins, given that Trotsin itself has been home to a certain Hawkins family member who have been believed dead for years.


    And knowing Kate, family means a lot to her.

 Three

    THREE


    Elvia Hotel, Haig, Tortsin, capital of the Tortsinan Empire


    July 27th, 2505


    A month has passed since Hawk¡¯s re-assignment to Tortsin. It has been uneventful so far, which was a refreshing change of pace for her, for better or worse. Over the last month, she got herself acquainted with some of the Empire¡¯s governmental entities. It did help her in learning more about the systems in play and the big players in it. From her room¡¯s window, she saw the bright sky shining on the buildings across the Haig district. Tortsin itself would¡¯ve been a nice planet for a vacation.


    Of course, Hawk was aware that her 3 month stay in Tortsin is not a vacation, but a reconnaissance mission to ascertain the state of things. When Hawk was briefed about her mission, the state of things within the Tortsinan Empire between its Cold War against the United Human Dominion, its territories and its capital, was to put mildly; a buffet of shit.


    This was an evident, given the protests by the the Tortsinan people as well as the rise of Proud Sons of Tortsin. They present themselves as the voice for the people. But in truth, they¡¯re neo-fascist terrorists hellbent on bringing back the old Imperial monarchy. Hawk¡¯s been keeping up by reading the news, mostly out of boredom.


    The Milky Way galaxy is on fire on many fronts, and no one seems to be putting them out. Hawk dressed herself with formal wear. A V-neck black suit, nothing more and nothing less. She was personally invited by Empress Anna Vollan to a ball event. ¡°Good thing her title is just for formality¡± Hawk muttered. But again, she¡¯s on a mission, not a vacation. She heard the knock on the door, then moved to open it.


    She sees young blonde woman, wearing a dark grey outfit more befitting for a royal guard. ¡°Miss Kyra Henderson, are you ready to go?¡± addressing at the incognito Ranger. With how sensitive the mission is, fake identities are a necessity. ¡°Yes, Sergeant Katrien Crusan. I¡¯m ready to go¡± As she left her hotel room, and with her aide walking besides her.


    Ahmed would love the dance event if he was here, Hawk mused about her husband. However, with him and his air squadron being in another part of the Frontier Regions, he couldn¡¯t come with her.


    Nonetheless, the event is on, and so is the mission. Not the usual kind Hawk is used to, but she¡¯ll manage.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Imperial Palace Ballroom, Haig, Tortsin


    Hawk went inside the ballroom of the Imperial Palace with help of Sergant Crusan, surveying the scenery ahead. People dancing, eating, even laughing. But most importantly, the architecture and decor. She never cared much how the rich and powerful liked to spend their riches. To Hawk, the rich and powerful are nothing but a symbol of decadence and misery.


    Yet, she couldn¡¯t help herself but feel respect for the architecture of at least one room of many in the palace. She could feel the air of authority and leadership, even in a party event.


    ¡°Nice architecture, don¡¯t you think?¡± Hawk heard the voice of the Empress Anna Vollan. A weathered woman in her early 50s sporting a light brown hair streaked with grey, wearing a dark blue suit concealed by a cloak and flanked by two palace guards of stature. Hawk bowed to the Empress, showing respect. ¡°There¡¯s no need to bow, miss Hawkins. We¡¯re all friends here.¡± Vollan smiled politely.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m mostly doing it so I don¡¯t piss off the nobles and your guards and get my ass arrested.¡± Hawk said tactfully. Empress Vollan chuckled, finding a bit of admiration in Hawk¡¯s sense of humor.


    Empress Vollan shuffled her face towards Hawk¡¯s ear and whispered ¡°Private Quarters in the third floor. One of my guards will take you there.¡± Hawk nodded slightly, to prevent suspicion.


    ¡°In the meantime, please enjoy the party, Ms. Henderson.¡± Vollan kept her facade, with Hawk who returned the gesture. She glanced at one of the palace guards, who gestured her to follow his lead out of the ballroom.


    ¡°This should be interesting.¡± Hawk muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯d exercise concealment, Ranger. You¡¯d never know who might be listening¡± The guard remarked with a hushed tone, warning her to maintain silence.


    Hawk rolled her eyes, feeling less amused at what her mission has in store for her.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Private Quarters, Imperial Palace, Haig, Tortsin


    It has been 45 minutes since Hawk entered the Private Quarters. 45 minutes as she waited for Empress Vollan to enter and discuss things. In her line of work, Hawk experienced a handful of times where she waited hours. Given the topic to discuss is urgent, however, she was running out of patience.


    She glanced at a window besides the study desk, and considered whether to get out of here. Luckily for her, Vollan entered the private quarters before she took action.


    ¡°My apologies, Ranger. Had to deal with some high-end clients. You¡¯d think my title is for formality would make me less prone to converse with influential people¡± Empress Vollan scoffed. Hawk chortled ¡°Well, it is a title of high-importance. Regardless when the Prime Minister and his Parliament run the scenes.¡±


    Empress Vollan blinked owlishly, ¡°Too true. But on the other hand, you and I are not here for a social call nor discuss politics. So let¡¯s get down to business.¡±


    ¡°Please do. I¡¯m starving for intel.¡± Hawk cocked her head, as Vollan noted the sarcasm.


    The Empress went to the operations room as Hawk followed her lead. It wasn¡¯t as big as a war room, but had enough space to handle around 6-9 people in the table. At the far end of the table, a TV with a record player and a remote stood at a stand.


    ¡°So, here¡¯s the issue at hand.¡± Vollan pulled a small disk from her pocket, then inserted it to the record player. She picked up the remote for the record player and played the recording.


    ¡°Around two weeks ago, a group of four individuals infiltrated a warehouse in the Verza district.¡± The screen on the TV flickered, showing security cam footage of the warehouse. One cam in particular showed the inside of the warehouse, filled with rows and rows of boxes and equipment. Within around two minutes of the footage, it showed four unknown individuals making a heist on the warehouse¡¯s interior.


    The footage showed the thieves stealing two metal crates via a forklift. Vollan paused the footage and glanced at the Ranger, ¡°Security guards attempted to arrest the thieves, but¡­¡±, Her Majesty pressed fast-forward on the TV¡¯s remote, fast-forwarding the footage a little bit.


    The camera footage showed the security guards being flanked by 4 hostiles from the north and south sides outside the Warehouse, and fell on the floor. The ambushers meet up with the thieves, where one of them calls a radio. After a couple of seconds, a vehicle rammed through the Warehouse, giving seats to the thieves and their assistants and escaped the premises. Vollan fast forwarded the footage a little more, showing thermal imagery of the Warehouse. The camera focused on a small thing from the chaos, almost looking like a patch.


    Her Majesty stopped the footage and turned off the TV, where she glanced towards Hawk. ¡°Forensics inspected the scene where they found the patch. It was colored in crimson red and a clawhammer at the middle.¡±


    Hawk¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Crimson Iron.¡± She stated harshly. Empress Vollan nodded, ¡°Yes, and the Imperial Intelligence Agency, which I¡¯m sure you know of, were investigating leads, but faced roadblocks. Namely, Sons of Tortsin sympathizers and anti-Imperium anarchists.¡±, Vollan spoke the last sentence in venom, displaying hatred against those two groups.


    Hawk raised an eyebrow, trying to find where she is fit into this web between SoT, IIA, and CI. ¡°And you requested me for this assignment because I¡¯m a foreigner and an anomaly to SoT and their operations.¡±


    Vollan cracked a small smile. Almost like her father, She thought fondly for a moment.


    ¡°Yes. That Warehouse contained fabricators that creates our serial numbers. IIA were informed by the intel your Rangers provided a month ago. Some of my people¡­¡± She paused to take a breath, ¡°They believe the conflict between the Frontier Defense Alliance and United Human Dominion is not an issue the Imperium should deal with and we most focus on domestic matters at home and in our borders.¡±


    Vollan glanced away from Hawk and looked at the empty black screen of the TV. ¡°My father¡­ He abolished the role of Emperor/Empress and established the Parliament and position of Prime Minister. He believed that the fate and power of of our Imperium should be held within the people and that us as leaders must be held accountable.¡±


    Hawk awkwardly glanced at the door, as she felt tense about this conversation. While aware of the importance of politics, she¡¯s more of a novice than an expert in these matters. And if she¡¯s honest, she¡¯s more comfortable talking with her fellow Rangers


    Empress Vollan shook her breath, and looked at the Ranger again. ¡°You will be assigned with the IIA¡¯s Special Service Bureau. One of their units is standing by Antwar District and awaits your arrival.¡±


    SSB, wonderful, Hawk wasn¡¯t enthusiastic about it, but the mission is a mission. And sometimes, Rangers don¡¯t choose their missions, especially for an important one.


    ¡°Alright, who am I working with?¡± Hawk asked. The Empress brought a datapad to the Ranger. Hawk perused through the data, inspecting three SSB agents assigned for the mission. One agent in particular, however, made her pause.


    Agent Anya Hawkins, age 26. Callsign Raven. Her sister. Or in more technical terms, half-sister. She was born out of wedlock as both their father had an affair with an high-profile individual within the Imperium, 26 years ago. During her upbringing, Anya faced difficult time fitting with in the Hawkins family and being bullied, but her sister Kate always stood by her side and protected her. She was reported to be dead after the 2493 Primoor massacre.


    But in truth, she was taken in by agents of Tortsinan Empire during the chaos and studied in a boarding school, where she eventually landed a position at the Imperial Intelligence Agency.


    However, Kate wouldn¡¯t know of this until the day she passed her STAR selection at the age of 20. Her father, William confessed his knowledge about it as he was informed by Imperium agents. This caused a rift between her and her old man, and Kate hadn¡¯t talked to him ever since.


    Hawk looked at Empress Vollan, who was smiling wrly, ¡°Well, I am not amused, Your Majesty. And putting aside personal feelings, I hardly imagine it¡¯ll be easy with working with a family member.¡±


    Empress Vollan¡¯s smile disappeared, her face displayed coldness. ¡°I figured that, Lieutenant. That¡¯s why I request you to not bring personal matters nor cause arguments with Anya for the remainder of the operation. Same goes for Anya, as well. My associates went to your hotel room, and sent your gear right outside the Private Quarters. It is for the best you get dressed fast, you¡¯ll be sent to Antwar District. You can use the bedroom to gear up, but please leave your formal war in your bag.¡±


    Hawk nodded, readying up to get her gear bag. ¡°Oh, and Lieutenant.¡± Vollan asked the Ranger, the latter obligingly glanced back to the Empress


    ¡°If you think of smuggling Anya out of Tortsin, don¡¯t. There will be dire consequences if you do. Are we clear¡± Vollan remarked coldly, her eyes scowled.  Hawk licked her lips, then nodded ¡°Crystal.¡±


    Hawk left the room and took her gear bag inside. As she went inside the bedroom on the far-north side of the quarters to gear up, her thoughts were mixed.


    ¡°Work with my half-sister and not bring up family issues? Yeah, right. Bad enough that only me and dad knows Anya is alive.¡± Hawk muttered, to make sure she wasn¡¯t heard.


    She sighed, and looked at the bedroom¡¯s window. ¡°Anya, if only you knew how much our family went through while you were gone. How much Maya went through.¡±