This short story may be somewhat difficult to follow without the background context (there is a lot of background), however, those parts are, as of yet, in the long and arduous process of being sorted into something that makes sense.
Note 1:
AX-1 “Venom”, while on paper is listed as a company sized unit, in reality this is a squad level unit in strength with 2 fire teams of 4 operatives each. This unit, however, is not what it seems and in fact has a background story which spans millennia.
Composition:
SWPZ-SS01-PTA0-CO98 “Reaper” (Alpha)
WPXA-SS01-PTA1-TX11 “Revenant” (Alpha)
WPXA-SS01-PTA1-TX15 “Spectre” (Alpha)
WPXA-SS01-PTA1-TX16 “Wight” (Alpha)
WPXA-SS01-PTA2-TX09 “Wraith” (Beta)
WPXA-SS01-PTA2-TX19 “Shadow” (Beta)
WPXA-SS01-PTA3-TX21 “Phantom” (Beta)
WPXA-SS01-PTA3-TX22 “Ghast” (Beta)
”Zal” is a trans-dimensional energy based intelligence who typically manifests himself as SWPZ’s primary melee weapon. His past history, how he became what he is, and how he came to work with ourselves is also not covered in the following but is in fact part of a long background which also spans millennia.
Note 2:
While it may seem strange that melee weapons are still used with such advanced technology; in contrast to planet Earth, certain operatives are not merely physical, they are both corporeal and non-corporeal. The proper analogy is that of a puppet (the form) and the puppet master (the entity). In such a case, one can hack, stab, slash, and shoot the form to bits without damaging the entity in the least nor impeding combat effectiveness as the entity can simulate any and all energy patterns required to keep the limbs moving and the form functioning. One may destroy the form entirely and still not harm the controlling entity as the latter can simply return after finding a replacement. However, this is none the less, the best method to disable a puppet-ed form, to basically reduce it to an unusable state. This is in stark contrast to Earth where a head shot would be deemed an instant kill due to the destruction of the CNS. A puppeteer-ed form could easily survive without vital organs such as the brain as the electric signals could simply be emulated and projected.
In such cases, ranged projectile weapons of a small caliber are typically insufficient to neutralize such operatives as insufficient damage would be caused to the form itself. However, to standard less capable operatives, ranged projectile weapons are typically devastatingly effective.
Note 3:
The following account is narrated by SWPZ-SS01-PTA0-CO98.
Note 4:
All units of distance are roughly comparable to one standard meter.
——————————-
Temporary base camp 13A-9b, 13:00:
“Sir, communications; patching it through… now.”
“Acknowledged.”
— Incoming —
To: Reaper – Venom AX1
Target: Metropolis 8A, Grid 16, Sector C
Overview: Rendezvous with operative in Grid 17, Sector B, sub junction 14a for weapon transfer; proceed to target zone with due caution – target defensive capabilities unknown.
The following local assets are available for support:
Acknowledge communication for confirmation.
— End —
…
8A, Grid 16, Sector C? Grid 16…? 600km behind the lines, no significant military installations within the area… targeted…?
— Reply —
Request confirmation of orders, target 8A, Grid 16, Sector B; target is low level militarized zone.
— End —
…
— Incoming —
Orders confirmed target stands.
— End —
…
Something we are unaware of perhaps…?
…
“New orders Sir?”
“…”
“Wraith, Spectre, all clear?”
(These two were manning one of our two APCs.)
“Clear, negative on enemy presence.”
“Wight, Phantom, make one scouting pass, report back within 10 minutes.”
“Yes Sir.”
10 minutes later…
“Clear, nearest enemy presence is a convoy at 25,000 bearing 180.”
“Attention.”
The remaining 3 operatives awaken (awaken in this case is not necessarily physical as psychic entities do not require their physical forms to function or to perceive others’ thoughts.)
“Sir?”
“We’ve received new orders from command, forwarding the data.”
A few moments pass…
“Sir, the target is a heavily populated civilian metropolis, there has been no military activity in that region since this conflict started 3 years ago…?”
“Affirmative.”
“And this is our… target?”
“Affirmative.”
“Sir permission to speak freely.”
“Granted.”
“Sir, we are soldiers; not butchers.”
“… What you’re trying to say is that you will be unable to carry out this assignment?”
“Yes Sir.”
“Understood.”
“Sir?”
“We’re all soldiers here, none the less we’ll proceed with the assignment.”
“Yes Sir.”
“We move out in several hours, make all necessary preparations.”
Now for those orders to our support units
— SJ1/3 —
Proceed to 8A, Grid 16, Sector B, sub junctions 19/25, establish and secure fall back routes, await further orders.
— End —
Very well, standby until departure…
We feel a presence enter the vague reaches of our consciousness.
(Reaper) “…?”
(Zal) (The time fast approaches…)
(Reaper) “The time…?”
(Zal) (You are troubled by the latest chain of events; your men see it, you do not. I too, had to choose back when I lived… my choice, led to my demise at the hands of my comrades…)
(Reaper) “You rebelled…?”
(Zal) (… Yes)
(Reaper) “…”
(Zal) (Details on this target…?)
(Reaper) “8A, Grid 16, Sector B, based on latest intelligence a civilian only area. Eight million total population over 16 km²”
(Zal) (Although you may not understand this, there were limits to what I was capable of doing, like you I fought and killed anyone in my path for the objectives, however; I fought so that we could have peace in the end… you fight because you are ordered to, will that order really carry you that far?)
(Reaper) “Same choice then.”
(Zal) (Yes, why do you fight? For what do you fight? That is up for you to decide, but whatever you may do, I will not allow you to harm innocents.)
(Reaper) “So you will stand in our way.”
(Zal) (Yes.)
(Reaper) “Understood.”
(Zal) (Hmm…?)
(Reaper) “As our men put it, they are soldiers, not butchers.”
(Zal) (…)
(Reaper) “Command will likely terminate us all for failure though… a contingency will be required…”
(Zal) (telepathic expression of amusement)
(Zal) (If only they knew what went on…)
(Reaper) “… Elaborate”
(Zal) (Return yourself then; they wouldn’t be so keen on terminating their ‘prized’ specimen as opposed to just another soldier.)
(Reaper) “So we think that is.”
(Zal) (You have few other options; you also know that even if they decided to terminate you it wouldn’t be easy.)
(Reaper) “Affirmative…”
(Zal) (Well, I’ll leave it to you then.)
(Reaper) “…”
(Zal) (Oh and don’t die on me; it’s such a pain finding a… comrade.)
(Reaper) “…?”
(Zal) ( Your pretense is troublesome. I was serious about what I said in the beginning… give it some thought.)
(Reaper) “Pretense? You want us to think?”
(Zal) (That’s right.)
(Reaper) “…”
Few hours to dusk, we’ll standby until then…
What are we fighting for…?
…
Temporary base camp 13A-9b, 19:30:
The two stealth APCs are taken out from their concealed locations; standard technical checks are run.
“This is Reaper, final clearing checks.”
“Acknowledged.”
“Propulsion.”
“Main drive function normal – the requisitioned fuel cells seem to function properly, estimate 244 hours remaining usage. Anti-grav unit stable.”
“Weapons.”
“Primary weapons array in operational status, 512 30mm, 7 SS01, 1 TCF01 warhead.”
“Stealth Fields.”
“Operational within normal parameters.”
“Detection and electronic warfare systems.”
“Operational within normal parameters.”
“Beta sign in.”
(Wraith) “Vehicle operational within normal parameters, weaponry complement at 498 – 4, assuming vanguard position.”
“Acknowledged, move out.”
“Passive sensor sweeps out to 500,000, disable active.”
“Acknowledged.”
“Current course 270, speed 300, standard hover elevation at 200; no obstacles in sight; path clear; ETA to target location 3 hours.”
“Acknowledged, I’ll give the briefing on the details of our mission as of now.”
“Sir.”
“You’ve all received the orders, given the simplicity of this assignment command will not accept the fact that we will fail this mission so easily given what the target is; you will all vanish in the confusion that we will later create and await my orders; command will no doubt reassign me to another section where I will be subjected to CO98… that is the standing termination order on me if I malfunction.”
“The rest of you will no doubt share this or be executed outright if we return as a whole.”
“This plan is on standby, we must first ascertain that our intel is correct and we are indeed attacking a civilian area. Recon will last 48 hours or until enemy interference, after that we’ll determine the validity of this mission. Avoid confrontation if possible, if engaged attempt to disengage to the best of your abilities. Minimize casualties.”
“Consider our actions as those of desertion as of this point on, there will be no turning back.”
“Understood Sir.”
“That is all.”
…
Enroute to rendezvous point 17B-14a, 22:25:
“Sir incoming transmission, coded frequency; decrypting, opening channel… now”
“Code in.”
“PZG-1983-IO33-L131, standby for confirmation.”
PZG? Above our clearance then it seems…
“SWPZ-SS01-PTA0-CO98, acknowledged.”
We proceed to remove one of our gloves and place our hand on a pad, a small amount of tissue is removed as the device activates.
“Activate.”
DNA scan active… completed.
“PZG, confirmation complete.”
“State intention.”
“Our orders are to deliver BGD-001X to you when you arrive.”
“Acknowledged.”
Closed channel:
“Sir what’s a BGD?”
“An experimental biogenic weapon that was under development 3 years ago, contained agents that would dissolve organic molecular binding, it was supposed to be capable of wiping out entire areas without collateral damage to the infrastructure.”
“They want us to deploy something like this… against the target earlier?”
“Appears that way, the plan earlier is still in effect.”
“Yes Sir.”
“PZG this is SWPZ, we have reached target location; on standby.”
“Negative on enemy activity within 80,000, dense overcast, cloud coverage should minimize risk of aerial recon.”
“Acknowledged, dropping stealth now.”
“We have visual.”
“Lower the ramp, Spectre, with me.”
“Sir.”
The ramp drops, 20 meters away is an identical vehicle, as with us 2 personnel walk out carrying a crate of sorts between them, they board our vehicle and deposit the item.
“All yours.”
“Acknowledged.”
They depart.
“Seal the ramp, set course to point A-1, sub-junction 9 of target; maintain alert status.”
“Understood.”
“Sir inspect the package?”
“Ensure the device is secured; I leave it to you.”
“Yes Sir.”
“ETA to target zone?”
“At current speed 18 hours 41 minutes.”
…
“Understood.”
…
A contingency… we’ve got other units involved right now as well… should be simple… only have to draw an overwhelming enemy force in for some chaos to ensue…
…
“Spectre.”
“Sir?”
“What’s the likelihood of us being able to… have a transmission or two of ours intercepted?”
“…”
“Our channel AZ-1 should work, are the details required?”
“Should…?”
“It’s a frequency specifically used by us and us alone; disabling encryption should allow for interception. Given present location and probable enemy jamming present, signal should stay within the area… estimate 90% success rate.”
“Proceed then, unit identification with our call signs should be enough.”
“Understood.”
…
Enroute to target 8A-C, 00:45:
“Closest installation with class 4 and above detection capabilities?”
“An airfield Sir, 400,000 bearing 240”
“Civilian or military?”
“Confirming the presence of probable civilian type transport aircraft on the ground at target location, however, defense systems strongly suggest it is anything but civilian.”
“Adjust course, increase speed to 750, take us to within 150,000 of the northern perimeter.”
“Understood.”
“20 minutes to target area.”
“Target analysis.”
*Image comes up on console*
“Highlight defensive hard-points.”
*…*
“Target point C, utilize TCF01.”
“Acknowledged.”
“Target ECM strength?”
“Class C, unable to ascertain whether or not their fields are at max capacity without changing to active at this distance.”
“Do it.”
“Class B ECM strength probable based on power output, our weapons should be able to lock through.”
“Sir, active enemy detection in this quadrant”
“Source?”
“Main tower, they’re narrowing their area of search, within 800 of our position now, shall I disable active?”
“Give them a ghost image; bring our stealth fields to max strength when they do.”
“Acknowledged.”
…
“Auto guidance on weapon, set detonation distance at 80,000.”
…
“Range to target.”
“175,000 and closing.”
“Launch, adjust our course to 330.”
Stealth field breaks for a fraction of a second as internal bay opens and ejects casing. Casing then breaks as missile ignition activates.
“Time to impact”
“6 seconds”
“Enemy anti air fire detected ahead; detecting 1 hit on weapon; no damage.”
“4 seconds.”
“2 seconds, multiple hits detected, armor integrity holding.”
“Zero.”
5 megaton warhead detonates some 80,000 units ahead, additional shots fired from other vehicle, multiple 30mm railgun hits detected on defense tower A 10 seconds later, no return fire due to massive disturbance from previous detonation.
“This is Wraith, Tower A hard-points neutralized, re-assuming vanguard position.”
“ETA to target 18 hours 15 minutes.”
“Power situation?”
“At current usage, estimate power reserves will exhaust in 22 hours 17 minutes.”
“Wraith, 25 hours 43 minutes.”
Sufficient then.
“Proceed.”
…
En-route to target 8A-C, 01:15:
“Sir, 100 enemy airborne signatures closing in on the base, altitude 2500; probable transports with escorts.
Low altitude ground attack and fighter wings inbound from all directions, they’re systematically sweeping the area.”
“Chances of detection.”
“30% at current field levels.”
“30%?”
“Heat signature from air resistance is probable, recommend that we lower speed to 225; ambient temperature should cover. Second possibility of detection via air and ground turbulence; however, unlikely due to the disturbances caused by their air assets as of this point.”
“Execute, Wraith, adjust to match.”
“Acknowledged.”
During the next few hours’ flight after flight of enemy air units scour the surrounding areas additional air assets are re-diverted towards 8A-C; to all appearances, the enemy has been put on full alert in the region.
Little did we know just how successful our raid was…
En-route to target 8A-C, 03:00:
“Sir; intercepted a partial transmission, unable to identify source or recipient… it’s not encrypted…”
“Display.”
…
— Incoming —
Requesting ZRX-01 redeploy to … raise alert status to 1… presence of AX-1 suspected in area… re-divert additional support…
— End —
(Spectre) “ZRX-01… so they finally show face after avoiding us all this time.”
(Reaper) “Appears that way, no changes to the plan.”
(Spectre) “Understood Sir.”
Outskirt suburban area of 8A-C, 19:00:
We’ve arrived at the outskirts of 8A-C, holding position direction 95, range 10,000. Enemy activity has since reduced drastically; activity is now limited to the standard combat air patrols; no ground units detected. Stand by till activity within clears.
(+1 day) 01:00…
Activity within the area has for the most part halted, bringing our stealth to max we proceed to within 2,000; automation mode on one vehicle is set, alpha disembarks and slips quietly into the city to various observation points. For being on alert level 1, there is surprisingly no security. This to all appearances appears to be nothing but a civilian metropolis.
05:00…
Activity has commenced, simply civilians going about whatever it is that they do; no military personnel observable. The appearance appears to be factual, yet this will not be enough.
09:00…
Beta reports an enemy convoy has passed within 50,000 bearing 170 headed for the front; a public broadcast within this area was made, ‘civilians are advised that there may be a unit of enemy soldiers operating within city limits, usual precautions are advised’.
13:00
No change as before.
17:00
At this point we are vaguely away that… something or someone has seen us or has become aware of our presence.
We inform Zal about this development, however, he is strangely silent about the matter; although he confirms that there are no other beings within the vicinity that pose a threat. No other personnel are affected by this abnormality. Appears we are required to pay closer attention to each and every one of the civilians as of now. The update is transmitted to the rest of the unit and acknowledged.
(+2 days) 01:00…
As was the case yesterday, activity has died down; the area is quiet. Beta relieves Alpha however we personally continue to monitor the situation. The earlier awareness has dissipated to weaker levels.
05:00…
As before, normal activity commences, no threats detected.
09:00…
The awareness has returned, unable to pinpoint exact location however general area has been identified; certainly a person as it shows mobility, appears to be a civilian… interesting, we were not aware that such existed outside the military… However, too many in the general direction to identify source, Alpha reports a very faint reading or readings bearing 320, speed 500, elevation 150, entering the area. Appears ZRX has made their appearance.
13:00…
4 operatives from ZRX have made themselves visible in our sector despite the risk of sniper fire – this is odd, they should know full well that danger yet…?
(Reaper) “4 Sector 1.”
(Wraith) “4 Sector 5.”
(Shadow) “4 Sector 7.”
(Phantom) “4 Sector 9.”
(Ghast) “4 Sector 10.”
So 5 units so far, they appear to be conducting systematic sweeps of the various areas… openly; no sign that they’ve noticed our presence… although we have yet to train weapons on any of them.
14:00
(Wraith) “Beta reporting; enemy personnel have exited sectors 7/9/10, probable destination sector 1-3.”
(Reaper) “Acknowledged, redeploy to support me.”
(Wraith) “Acknowledged.”
(Spectre) “Sir, we’ve intercepted a unit to unit transmission.”
(Reaper) “Patch it through.”
— Incoming —
Report from civilian of presence in sector 1, ZRX1-A to proceed to target area, all other units redeploy to form perimeter.
— End —
That’s… our location… civilian? That signature we detected earlier?
(Reaper) “Appears they’ve been made aware of our presence, Alpha deploy the package, sector 14; make yourselves visible.”
(Spectre) “Acknowledged.”
Targets within visual range… why are they in the open still…? 5 personnel bearing 140 of our position; 4 soldiers and one civilian; range 4200…
…?! Civilian…?
Positive, it’s a civilian, subject is female, Caucasian brunette, shoulder length hair, height ~1.85, weight ~140, age estimated at around 25, athletic build, gait and stance indicate some form of military training. Energy signature…
…!
Identical to the earlier signature detected…?
Who is this…? Seems distantly familiar?
…
Regardless let’s assess their capabilities… We train our weapon on their leading member, range… 2500, current elevation 650, wind 5 bearing 90, on target…
…?
Our target despite the distance appears to look up stare directly at us though the scope, as if he knows exactly where we are and the fact that he has no probable defense against us if we were to take the shot… a sort of resonance hits us… in this instance… we realize he’s an opponent worth facing personally. We also realize, that despite all appearances, he would not have been felled by any shot we could have fired.
He turns out and issues an order; they immediately fan out and dive into cover… all but one… she remains standing there staring in our general direction for 10 seconds more, does some sort of action that cannot be discerned at this distance, then she too follows the other 4.
…?
(Spectre) “Sir, multiple enemy signatures closing in, APCs, estimated number of enemy personnel, 1500; ETA 2 minutes.”
No time to consider this, enemy personnel closing in on our position, additional reinforcements on the way; appears the chaos we intend to create is accelerating beyond our control.
(Reaper) “Spectre, take alpha and withdraw, I will rendezvous with SJ-1 for extraction.”
(Spectre) “Acknowledged.”
(Reaper) “Wraith, engage and delay enemy units in sector 3/5, withdraw within 5 minutes.”
(Wraith) “Acknowledged.”
Multiple shots echo through the area seconds later, no return fire; more shots, return fire still nonexistent. No panic sets in from the unknown weapons discharges; the non combatants are clearing the area in order… Return fire commences…
Interesting…
Now for our escape…
Estimate enemy within 2500 of our position on ground level… time until interception 4 minutes at best. Current height 650, closest building distance 50, height 300 bearing 270; Zal, we’re going to require assistance… (No problem, let’s go)…
We take off from the ledge of the building, the initial jump propelling us some 60 meters forward, height 625, 600, 575, 550, distortion in space and a slight burst of energy upwards slows our terminal velocity to a more manageable speed; we land, break into a roll, once, twice, shock absorbed; continue… Next building bearing 210 height 450… proceed… no assistance required, same as before; take off, land, break, continue.
In this manner we descend some 600 meters, 50 left, we’ve entered sector 14, enemy pursuit is rather dogged however, they maintain contact some 1000 meters behind; Beta has withdrawn back to our initial position where following the original plan they’ll make themselves scarce and await out instructions. Alpha reported brief engagement with the enemy while delivering package, they too have withdrawn.
SJ-1 remains on standby within sector 25, reporting ongoing skirmish with enemy forces, however… our mission has yet to be completely executed… must lead them to the package… we continue to go from building to building; although mostly along the walls now (due to the average heights of about 300 or so) 500 meters to destination… (entryway into some sort of underground network; no longer used according to intel) no pursuit… wait no… one signature dead ahead… range 350… can evade him, avoid confrontation…?
(Zal) (Like hell you are, let’s go.)
(Reaper) “…”
Closing, he’s stationary… can detect us? Interesting… range… 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, visual.
…!
Same operative from earlier… no mistaking it… he believes that he can… stop us…?
(Zal) (Impressive signature… almost on the same level as you…)
Closing… 100, 50; we halt… time freezes as the two of us size the other up… no words are required, he’s our enemy; although we have little interest in this fight, it appears inevitable. Curiously enough, it appears both of us are of the same mind, using firearms at this point in time would simply be… a waste; he’s already discarded his rifle, we toss ours to the side. No need to do anything further, Zal will materialize when we require it…
Then something happens that we did not expect, he asks us a simple question.
“Za- you’re SWPZ?”
“…?”
(Zal) (Your facade is really lacking.)
“Affirmative.”
“What are you doing?”
(Reaper) “From current position proceed 800 meters bearing 210; you will have your answer.”
“…”
“…”
“Withdraw or be terminated.”
“… We shall see.
His weapon materializes(some form of single sided blade, approx length 40”, nothing too special about it although a very strong psychic resonance emanates from it), as does ours, the distance between us are closed in an instant; flash of light and explosion of energy as we meet… we’re on the defensive, analyzing his capabilities…
Downwards left, shift blocked, flash of energy released; lower cut horizontal, quickstep back, evaded, horizontal cut, change to backhand left grip, block; impressive strength; energy explosion once again. Slides blade downwards, disengages down cut right; slight shift, evaded; reverses movement upwards cut right, backwards leap; distance between us 30.
He charges us again, left stab, we change back to forehand grip, right arm, backhand slash to meet his strike, the both us are slightly off balance after the hit; recover, down cut from high, horizontal block, down left, backwards evasion, horizontal right, block, down low horizontal, backwards leap, he follows, we strike out, left horizontal slash, narrowly misses, no, grazes armor. Deliberate? We’ll see… reverse movement, horizontal right slash, blocks, explosion of energy, he leaps back, pauses; doesn’t charge us.
Very well… upwards back, impact with wall, 30 above ground; reverse direction, straight at him, double hand grip, channel energy into right side, downwards slash right, release, he blocks, flash from released energy, he staggers slightly from the force of the hit; we rebound, close again, downwards slash left, blocked, right, blocked, horizontal, evaded, stab center mass, evaded, reverse movement upwards slash left, evaded leaps back… don’t give him distance, close again, stab upper mass, blocked, reverse direction down cut left blocked, slide downwards, upwards left; reverse direction center mass stab, evaded, reverse direction right center slash, evaded, an opening, he counters left upwards cut, quickstep back, evaded, no, slight damage to armor from graze, backward leap, charge, blades hit and lock for a moment; we disengage backwards leap up, distance 30 again.
“…”
(Zal) He’s a tough one… their support is approaching in overwhelming force, it’s time to leave.)
“…”
“…”
He motions behind him.
“Proceed.”
“…?”
He takes off, upwards 30, building to the side, again, reaches the ledge, pauses looks back down at us; we’re not inclined to pursue, he vanishes over the ledge.
(Zal) (“We’ll meet again”, that’s his parting message.)
(Reaper) “…?”
(Zal) (This is becoming rather interesting. Him too huh.)
(Reaper) “…?”
Signature distance 200, increasing by the second, bearing 210, appears he’s heading for our aforementioned area, no not just him… 5-6 others have joined him; additional enemy units within 500 of our position, escape route appears to be clear; move out. Heading 190, distance to target 150, sheath weapon, retrieve our previously discarded weapon, multiple signatures in region detected within 500; onward.
We enter what appears to be part of an underground metro network from some time ago; however, it has long since fallen out of use. Approx 3*3 in height and width, rubble piles are scattered here and there, wires and pieces of metal hang down from the ceiling at random intervals, other areas of the ceiling and walls are caved in- battle damage no doubt. Dripping water… is all that is heard upon entry… that and our steps. Pause, adjust to low light levels, maintain heading… onward, 1000 to extraction point.
200… 400… 600… signatures detected ahead; 4 inbound, range 250; visual, 4 enemy operatives line abreast formation; 200… appears they’ve sighted us, incoming fire.
Center mass, upper center targeted, evade left. Shots echo through the tunnel moments later; cuts through the air to our right, again, center mass 2 other 2 to our right, will miss; non issue blade to center, shots, deflected. Rubble pile forwards leap, roll, cover; return fire, target 2nd from left, burst 1, target taking evasive action, missed, again, 2, 3, 4 – general direction; advance under volley; next area of cover 70 forward. Break out of cover; center mass shots; 2, right forward leap, center mass block, more shots; 3 deflected, 1 impacts and explodes on armor – slight damage, armor holds – round stopped. Forward left leap, roll, under cover, more shots tear through the air above us.
Distance to targets 100, reload; Zal, cover us. (Okay)
We break cover again forwards right leap, full automatic fire; empty magazine, reload, again; discard weapon, forward left leap; return fire center mass; deflected 1, 2, dimensional tear, 3, 4 evaded, 5, 6 incoming; impact and subsequent detonation of projectile on right shoulder, lower right chest, armor holds, 6, 7 left side lower center mass, deflected, right forwards, evasion successful; 8, 9 dimensional tear, 10, 11, wider angle, center mass 2; deflected, impact on left side, lower center mass; armor compromised, right; armor weakened light damage sustained, rest miss. Distance to targets 30, forward center charge, dimensional tear disrupts 1, 2, 3 center mass stopped, in range, right backhand mid level slash right; connects, shears through his armor, freezes the area on exit, one down. Grab him as he falls, throw to the left, change to forehand right grip, down cut left, opponent has managed to draw; blocked, staggers under the force; other 2 disabled still, reverse movement, spin, second strike, mid level kick, downwards center slash, blocked again, goes to the ground from the force, kick catches him upper chest level past the attempted block, crushing sound as his chest is utterly shattered, he goes flying 30’ back, two down.
Others have recovered, incoming attacks too close in for evasion, right/left horizontal, upwards slash left to block right, shift form to glance other hit off, damage to left shoulder, armor compromised, laceration sustained, second strike blocked, explosion of energy, opponent recoils from the force. Horizontal cut left, connects mid section, shears through his armor, 3 down. Continue attack onto last opponent, backwards leap, partial evasion, no matter, rush, downwards right, channel energy; he blocks, goes flying back ~40’, we take off right after him, channel again, left horizontal slash, blocks; contact sends him crashing into and through some debris then hitting the wall some 30’ away, no motion detected, four down.
Heavy gunfire in the distance of our heading intensifies.
10 additional signatures detected at 130 & 180 of position, 6 ahead, another 4 at 30 (our support, appears they’ve taken casualties), closing, move out. Retrieve fallen weapon, 150 to target, onward. Behind us, head/upper back, evasive action; shots fired, evaded; 8 targets bearing 180, range 400; return fire! Burst 1, 2, 3; targets taking cover; 1 hit, minimal damage, continue, more shots from behind; mid/upper back, spread; dimensional tear partial evasion, 2 impacts on lower right side, armor weakened, minimal damage; shots from front, ignore; press on, 75 to target; this area’s rigged to blow… incoming, evasive action; 2 more impacts lower right, armor compromised, dull pain flares up momentarily from the affected area, we give it a glance, appears the shot has blown off a section of the hip, moderate damage, mobility unaffected, just a flesh wound; cover fire intensifying, lull in enemy barrage, appears they’ve gone for cover momentarily, dimensional tear behind us, 50 to target, 25, exit the tunnel.
(Soldier) “Sir.”
(Reaper) “Operation aborted, we’re leaving.”
(Soldier) “Acknowledged.”
(Soldier 1) “Execute.”
Multiple detonations up ahead, huge sections of where we just came from collapse; possible additional explosions on top; we retreat to 2 other APCs holding position in stealth mode nearby. It appears there were indeed additional detonations above ground, the entire sector is covered in smoke; in this manner we leave. Curiously enough no enemy pursuit besides the routine sweeps from their air wings; we reach friendly lines within 20 hours, another 4 to the main forwards operations base AC-01.
Forward base of operations AC-01, +2 days since the operation, 11:00:
At our arrival we are taken for repairs, 12 hours later all damage has been repaired; extent was minimal; mostly superficial, however, we’re confined to the lab for monitoring. 36 hours after our return we were taken in for debriefing, and for reassignment. A squad arrives to escort us to our destination.
(Reaper) “SWPZ-SS01, reporting Sir.”
(Unnamed) “8A-C situation.”
(Reaper) “Yes Sir, we arrived at 8A-C at 19:00, held position for recon, enemy presence was sparse except for this one elusive unit until 24 hours in when we were discovered through an unknown medium and overwhelming enemy support was called in. Device was destroyed to prevent capture, status of AX-1 wiped out.
Mission was aborted in light of losses.
Capabilities of enemy leader exceptionally high, engaged target in single combat without success. Their individual operatives are comparable to ours.”
(Unnamed) “Understood; in light of this you’re reassigned to unit CX-1, receive further orders there; CO98 is in effect as of this point on.”
(Reaper) “Understood Sir.”
(Unnamed) “The targets within 8A were annihilated 4 hours prior.”
(Reaper) “Understood.”
(Unnamed) “Dismissed.”
We’re escorted out same way we came and to another part of the base.
(Zal) (That’s all huh?)
(Reaper) “Appears to be the case.”
(Zal) (That was sarcasm, he flat out told you you’d be terminated next time you failed.)
(Reaper) “…”
(Zal) (Well, they hit the area regardless? He was attempting to gauge your reaction… how idiotic…)
(Reaper) “Whatever medium it was given the strength and depth of enemy defenses… they sustained heavy losses no doubt…”
(Zal) (And you still follow these fools?)
(Reaper) “…?”
(Zal) (Think about it)
(Reaper) “… Again?”
(Zal) (Yes.)
(Reaper) “…”
We arrive at our destination, a complex approximately 20 levels below ground; our escort leaves and several soldiers from CX1 assume their role; we proceed until we reach yet another room where we’re waved inside.
(Reaper) “SWPZ-SS01 reporting.”
(CX1a) “Acknowledged, you know the routine; we’re moving out within 12 hours; target 8A-C; mission objective, cleanup.”
(Reaper) “Cleanup…?”
(CX1a) “Potential survivors.”
(Reaper) “Understood Sir.”
(CX1a) “Report to area D-3 in 6 hours; that is all; dismissed.”
———–
(Zal) (Mop up… an already destroyed area… this is certainly unheard of, not to mention they are only civilians… unless…)
(Reaper) “… Affirmative, a total waste of resources. Unless?”
(Zal) (Same location as well… do they honestly think anything will change? It’s as if they’re giving you a ticket out.)
(Reaper) “Elaborate.”
(Zal) (You left your men behind, they’re ordered to terminate you if you fail in carrying out your duties again; naturally you will fail, as will they.)
(Reaper) “…”
(Zal) (Well… nothing to do, let’s go.)
(Reaper) “Acknowledged.”
Forward base of operations AC-1-D3, 17:30:
We arrive at the location as predetermined; 8 others shortly after, we board the aircraft; eta to target location 5 hours. Extreme low altitude flight to avoid most enemy patrols; air activity has intensified far beyond what is normally seen. However, regardless the trip is rather uneventful.
Over the remains of 8A-C, sector 9, elevation 500, 22:30:
Crimson skies greet us as bay doors open for our drop in, black smoke rises from the ruins several buildings are only partially destroyed. Flames rage across the devastation in certain areas… and for us, the overwhelming sensation of energy from the recently deceased. Bodies are here and there, some recognizable, others burned beyond recognition. One by one we drop down; there is no need to regroup; each operative fans out in search of targets.
We land some 50 away from a mostly collapsed structure – what remains of one of the 500 high skyscrapers that we observed some 72 hours prior; positioning of the remaining debris shows signs that there are still parts within that are open although this may change anytime.
Signature detected within… wait a minute…
(Reaper) “…”
(Zal) (… Oh dear.)
We know who this is already… none the less… proceed…
Shattered glass and rubble litter the area, distance to entry, 50, opening leads into the foyer, break into a roll to clear some of the low hanging debris, draw sidearm, recover and train on signature by reflex… pause… lower weapon, no mistaking it, it’s her again.
She’s sitting on a large chunk of debris, what remains of several ground levels we assume; overhead is another large piece that was stopped by another piece on the right; only barely… approximately 1’ of clearance.
(Zal) (That’s just ridiculous.)
(Reaper) “…”
Indeed… how she survived this was unusual in of itself, now what…? She doesn’t bother looking up, appears in a daze of sorts… however, aura shows she’s fully aware of our presence, interesting. Regardless, now what…?
Signature bearing 270, distance 75 closing.
(Zal) (Oh here comes someone to check on you.)
(Reaper) “…”
(Zal) (He’s solving your problem at any rate.)
(Reaper) “…”
Zal materializes his weapon form as we holster sidearm, seconds later one of the other operatives enter; he takes one look, raises weapon… unfortunately for him… too late. (Center mass shot on her, upper mass/head on us) left upper horizontal slash, we intercept the first shot a short distance from the muzzle as he fires, deflecting it into a wall to our side, he doesn’t get a chance to turn the weapon on us; blade follows movement with a slight angle adjustment, slices through part of the rifle, rips through his shoulder armor and collarbone area and finally opens his throat wide nearly severing the head entirely, he falls.
We stare at the body as it collapses.
(Reaper) “Now what…”
(Zal) (Kill the rest of them naturally!)
(Reaper) “… Right.”
We turn our gaze to the other occupant in the room, at around this time she recovers from her seemingly dazed state, looks up and straight at us… we meet the gaze, a resonance of sorts hit us…
“Who are you?”
“…”
“SWPZ-SS01-PTA0-CO98, Reaper.”
*quizzical look*
“That’s not a name, that’s a registration number.”
“…”
(Zal) (Right you don’t have a name or anything…)
(Reaper) “The reminder is appreciated.”
(Zal) (Zayl; use that one.)
(Reaper) “What?”
(Zal) (That’s a comrade from long ago…)
(Reaper) “…? Acknowledged.”
She continues to stare at us awaiting an answer.
“…”
“Zayl.”
*A moment of surprise*
“Zayl? What…”
She gives us a faint smile; then appears to start to say something else… however, we cut her off. This is not the time to be talking.
“Are you injured?”
“Huh? No…”
“Very well, follow us.”
“There are others, we cannot ensure your survival otherwise.”
“Oh, okay.”
*appears somewhat lost in thought*
(Zal) (This is becoming even more interesting.)
(Reaper) “Elaborate.”
(Zal) (Oh you’ll see.)
(Reaper) “…”
We retrieve the fallen operative’s communicator, exit the building post haste with her following. She takes a look around… appears quite disturbed, looks at us, we shake our head… there is nothing to say, such are the realities of war. Sporadic shots echo all around us, the weapon discharges are from different weapons. It would appear that there is some resistance from the survivors; no time to waste. First target at 20, distance 550… second at 25 range 525 should be outside their range; clear line of sight? Smoke, debris… we see a faint outline of them; infrared on weapon, clearer outline, backs are to us… no need to compensate for range, open fire, burst 1, 2, 3; impacts, both down.
5 remaining, targets at our 310, 240 and 70
(Reaper) “Zal, 240.”
(Zal) (Got it.)
Energy ripples out as he leaves in that heading; no line of sight but flashes of energy in that locale suggest he’s gone to work.
2 more signatures bearing 310, range 650; no line of sight, close the range; we motion for her to follow us, proceed; slow pace slightly. Several buildings of what remains of them are cleared in this manner; range to targets 300, clear line of sight. We signal her to halt just under the cover of the rubble and proceed out, additional movement beyond our targets is detected. Appears… they’re… hounding their targets, how absurd; backs to us yet again, open fire 1 burst, 2, target down; return fire from other; taking evasive action; shots fly past us, fire; 1, 2, 3; target down.
(Reaper) “3 remaining?”
(Zal) (That’s right; the ones at 180 are mine.)
(Reaper) “Acknowledged.”
Our target at 70, range 450, signal for her to come out of hiding, follows us again, several buildings provide cover, clearing up ahead, signal for her to halt we move on. Dimensional tears in the distance bearing 180; our target is in sight; he’s expecting us, evasive action, opens fire; shots miss us; return fire, he evades, we trade several volleys in this manner… dimensional tears where he is erupt; he falls apart in pieces moments later.
(Reaper) “…”
(Zal) (Yes?)
(Reaper) “… Nothing.”
We turn back around and head back to the girl.
“Relief forces should be arriving within an hour or so, inform them, SWPZ wishes to surrender; you know where to find me, we’ll gather the survivors in the meantime.”
She looks slightly confused by this but nods.
“Okay, sure.”
We head out towards wherever we detected signatures and gather those remaining; we also find bodies of the ones that didn’t make it and collect them as well; 94 survivors out of 102 in total. We attend to several of the more seriously wounded best we can with our field kit, manage to stabilize them for the time being. We then make ourselves scarce.
(Zal) (Surrender?)
(Reaper) “What about it?”
(Zal) (Leading the way!)
(Reaper) “…”
(Zal) (amusement)
Within 8A-C, sector 3; 23:55:
Their relief forces arrive as we predicted, a convoy of APCs, estimate a company or so strong. The shock at the news delivered to their troops is… both apparent and expected. We watch the scene from a nearby location.
“SWPZ!?”
“Yes, he wishes to surrender, I can lead you to him.”
*doubt*
“You…?”
“He saved me… us, all of us.”
“…”
“Alright, bring us to him.”
Incoming signatures 4; range 150, a squad, we discard our weapons, Zal dematerializes and we head out into the open arms to the side in a nonthreatening posture. They train their weapons on us, she pushes them down, we overhear the following.
“If he wanted you dead, you’d already be dead.”
“…”
(Reaper) “SWPZ-SS01 intention to surrender to your forces”.
“Very well, come with us.”
We follow, 2 of them take flanking positions; appears they trust us to not make any hostile moves on them; although we have openly disarmed, no restraints are placed on us nor are any other demands placed. We head back to the gathering point in this manner where the survivors are embarking – more than one turns to us and gives us some form of acknowledgement. All except for one; she makes her way past the soldiers that surround us and comes up.
“I will see you again.”
“… Perhaps.”
(Zal) (That wasn’t a question.)
(Reaper) “…”
“Hmm well, take care, thanks for the rescue.”
We acknowledge with a nod.
She gives us another smile this time less faint and heads off to join the others embarking, we’re taken on board another APC where another squad keeps us under guard. Our heading, one of their bases.
(Zal) (*amusement*)
(Reaper) “What is it?”
(Zal) (This is quite interesting, lost it all and got something back…)
(Reaper) “… Negative, do not understand.”
(Zal) (You don’t remember? Well, let’s see if we can’t change that…)
(Reaper) “… Remember?”
(Zal) (… Forget I said that.)
(Reaper) “…”
(Zal) (It has been awhile…)
(Reaper) “…”
Forward base of operations ZR-01-AX, 06:00:
Upon our arrival and disembarkation another squad arrives to take over guard duty of us, they lead us underground some 15 levels where we enter a series of reinforced passageways, we are then led to one of the single rooms motioned inside and sealed inside afterwards. Were it not for the fact that we had in fact surrendered, it would have had been difficult for an onlooker to tell.
There is nothing special about the cell, a typical single quarter, as heavily armored and reinforced as with the rest of the complex. Well, let’s shall see what occurs from here on out; we drop ourselves onto the bunk.
(Zal) (You’re relaxing?)
(Reaper) “You suggest alternative action?”
(Zal) (…)
Time passes…
Forward base of operations ZR-01-AY, (+1 day) 12:00:
At around this time we start receiving visitors; survivors from the operation are let in under heavy guard; all of them simply had one thing in common, to thank us for our actions, was a simple matter of acknowledging most of them. Well until someone from earlier enters.
Once again, she shoves the weapons trained on us aside; this time giving us a knowing look and a half smirk.
“I know I’ve already said this once… but seriously… If he wanted to kill you guys, you’d all be dead now, as would pretty much everything else around here. Isn’t that right?”
(Zal) (*amusement* That last part was clearly directed at you. Your facade is rather lacking.)
(Reaper) “Is it that obvious? … What facade?”
(Zal) (Yes. Like you don’t already know.)
(Reaper) “…?”
(Zal) (…)
“Affirmative.”
There is a slight burst of energy that ripples outwards as we say this; they show no apparent reaction; however… they do indeed lower their weapons, exit the cell and take positions outside.
“Hey… I never got around to telling you my name.”
“Affirmative.”
“Delessa, I’m Delessa.”
“Delessa, acknowledged.”
*puzzled expression*
“You’re strange. What happened to you?”
“…?”
“Oh… you don’t… never mind.”
One of the guards from outside re-enter, time’s up apparently; there was one last thing before she leaves, however…
“Hey… can you stand up for a moment?”
“Affirmative.”
We rise, making no overtly threatening movements. She comes up and embraces us briefly… we’re unsure of what to do and simply stand there. The soldier observing looks startled. She backs off after several seconds, turns to leave, turns again smiles, and drops a parting comment.
“Well, I’ll see you around, take care.”
“Likewise.”
——————–
(Zal) (That was interesting, Delessa? How did she… never mind.)
(Reaper) “We can agree that was interesting… how did she…?”
(Zal) (*amusement*)
(Reaper) “You appear to be enjoying yourself.”
(Zal) (Same to you.)
(Reaper) “Confusion hardly constitutes enjoyment.”
(Zal) (You rescue someone like that in such a manner… Although this isn’t what it seems.)
(Reaper) “Could have briefed us prior… isn’t what it seems?”
(Zal) (Would you have changed your decision?)
(Reaper) “Negative.”
(Zal) (Then there was no need anyways.)
(Reaper) “Isn’t what it seems?”
(Zal) (…)
(Reaper) “Answer.”
(Zal) (You’ll see, eventually.)
(Reaper) “…”
As we later found out, indeed we would… indeed we would.