Chapter 4: The failure: A new hope
...
...
Amadeus' POV
The Raptors are perhaps the wittiest, craftiest, and most cunning creature to exist. They have been known to out-maneuver and outsmart prey that was easily twenty times larger and heavier than them. That were even known to overpower and take down much larger predators with little effort. Raptors would position themselves in the most startegic locations and nonverbally communicate tactics and strategies with ease, giving them an edge when it came to a coordinated attack on more powerful creatures. They did not need strength or power; they only needed their intelligence, coordination, and teamwork to win a seemingly lost battle.
However, this principle doesn't apply to Raptors alone, the same principle can be applied in a war; a seemingly lost war.
(GASP)
"No Red, I'm not planning to clone/revive/reanimate/create a pack of ferocious, savage, extinct predatory lizards and unleashing them in Planeptune" I said in anticipation of what Red was most likely going to say next. I looked at her...now relieved expression and confirmed that I hit the nail on the head.
"Then what is Raptor?" IF asked paying close attention to what I was going to say and the same went for the rest of the group. I looked at them one by one before looking at Minerva who was looking at me with a pleading expression; she clearly believed that this was the best chance we had of beating ASIC, as well as, saving the goddesses. I clenched my fists that were now on the table and my heart constricted painfully and I turned my head down; there was a shadow on my face.
"To understand the what Raptor is, you have to know how we were like before ASIC showed up three years ago" I said in a monotone voice and I could almost see the concerned expressions on their faces. "Before ASIC showed up, Minerva and I ran our workshop quite smoothly and we were making a fair amount of profit from trades. We were running the business happily, she would think up the ideas and I would build the machines. Every year we would join the Gamindustri expo because she wanted to show off our machines to the other nations, but I knew that Minerva just wanted to see the goddesses. In any case, the same routine went along for quite some time and we were happy with it, that is until the new landmass appeared..."
The serene atmosphere painted by my earlier happy thoughts took a sharp detour and turned into one of nearly tangible tension.
"Ever since the Gamindustri graveyard appeared, I couldn't shake this bad feeling that I had; it was like a hollow feeling in my heart that I couldn't get rid off. At first I thought nothing of it, thinking that it would just go away, but with each day that passed the feeling only became exponentially worse" I explained and the the silence was eerie. I felt like I was being pulled back in time to those dark days; that days that I never wanted to relive "Each time I walked or did anything I felt like there was a monster creeping behind me, preparing to lunge; that fear kept me on edge each and every day. A few days of investigation and monitoring later, I confirmed that fear, that dread, was caused by the Gaminustri graveyard; it's presence was making every citizen from every continent feel the dread. I soon found out that, the dread, the fear was what was powering the gamindustri graveyard and during one of my personal visits to the continent. I felt an exponentially powerful and overwhelming negative energy from it; it was horrifying and nervewracking to say the least. After that visit, I felt as if a great evil will be brought upon Gamindustri if it continues to gather that energy. So I designed and created Raptor, as my way of preventing the continent from gathering energy. Raptor is not a weapon nor a machine, it's a social-networking site and an online community group made for the people. It was a guild of sorts, but it was more like an MMO co-op modernshooter game for real life. The idea was to get member of the website to complete missions and quests to increase planeptune's shares and take their minds off of their fear. They would work, startegize, plan, and coordinate together, hence the name Raptor. I would supply them with the neccessary equipment and info that they would need and they would be rewarded if they finished the task. It was like a guild, minus the requirements if being an experienced fighter. Due to the general nature of the project, I predicted that it would be very successful and I also predicted that it would've definitely increased planeptune's shares, as well as, reduce if not eliminate the people's fear and dread"
As my story went on, my chest slowly tightened to the point that I could only breathe in air through short gasps, my voice starting getting stuck in my throat as if being blocked by something, and my heart started feel like it was being constricted.
"the day after I finished the project, I walked over to the Planeptune basillcom to tell the purple sisters about the project...but I didn't..." The sensation I felt exponentially increased stopping my words cold. I felt like if I continued I wouldn't be able to stop myself from bursting into tears. By some miracle I did manage to speak..."I was worried about offending the goddesses with my idea and my concern; I hesitated because I was afraid of being rejected and disappointed by the purple sisters, so I stopped myself from continuing any further, turned around and walked away...(hic)..."
I couldn't hold it in any longer. The tears started dripping down eyes and my shoulders rocked my sobs. I felt like a huge burden was being lifted off my shoulders along with the tears that dropped from my eyes and the words that left my mouth, which is why I didn't stop.
"a few days later ASIC arrive in planeptune...and I find out...that Lady Neptune and Lady Nepgear...and the other goddesses...were captured...what I realized then was that if I had just had the courage that day...had I not let my cowardice and hesitance rule over me...maybe all of this...wouldn't have happened...just because of some lame reason like being too nervous...the goddesses were captured and ASIC took over...if I just...I could've...prevented all of this...Lady Neptune and Lady Nepgear could've gained more power...they could've won...the citizens could've fought back ASIC...had I just went through my plan that one day..." It felt like a huge weight has just been lifted off; a weight that I have been carrying for the last three years. "Raptor; the biggest and greatest failure in my life. I tried to make ammends ever since that day...but...they're still here" I gestured towards the window; revealing the multitude of ASIC buildings in Planeptune.
"Big brother..." Minerva was clearly worried and concerned to see me like this.
I know that I've always been calm and composed throughout these missions, but right now I felt like there was no need to do so or maybe it was just because the burden became too much for me and I had to just let it out.
While this was happening my mind kept flashing images of the past; myself walking away from the basillicom, ASIC taking over, me designing the raptor project, the goddesses in captivity. It was like watching and listening to an endless slideshow of your greatest mistake and the after-effects.
"Then let's make it happen now!" Compa exclaimed; her optimism never failing her. "and save nepnep and the other goddesses" my expression stayed neutral and down, but the sobs stopped.
"You can't blame yourself for what happened, you can't know for sure if the outcome would've turned out the same way so stop telling yourself that you're the cause of all this because the one to blame for this is ASIC" IF said firmly.
"IF's right, none of this is your fault Amadeus, but now that we know what Raptor is, then we should start the site right away" Lady Nepgear said with determination. "I don't quite know the specifics yet, but from what I heard I say that we should put it into action"
"I agree with Nepgear, the idea and the project seem very promising and I can say for certain that if Neptune was here, she would say the same thing" Histoire said gently, while placing a hand on my shoulder.
Nisa, Gust, and Red just looked at me words of encouragement. I looked to my sister and she was giving me the same expression as if telling me; you can do this.
"When can you launch the program?" I looked at Lady Nepgear after she posed the question at me and I didn't have to think about it to answer.
"Tonight"
...
Third Person's POV
Raptor: Essential features and main mechanics
1. There will be a ranking system in this social networking site/online community group; C, B, A, S, SS, and SSS.
2. You can only level up your rank by completing missions that are either given to you, requested by you, or chosen by you from a list of quests on the official website. There will be a limit to what level you can reach depending on biological and physical capabilities.
3. Accomplishment or failure of a given mission will be accompanied by rewards or consequences specified in the mission detail.
4. You are allowed to form a party with other members, the rewards may or may not be affected depending on the mission's details.
5. On that note, certain missions may require you to form a party, while some missions may not.
6. Members may request access to classified information, access to exclusive and unique machines/vehicles/special equipment, control over certain systems in the city to aid you in the accomplishment of your missions. The approval of these requests shall depend on what situation/mission you are currently in and your current ranking level.
7. Exclusive Events will be sent to certain members that have higher ranks, but there will also be events that are accessible to all.
8. A box of standard issue equipment will be sent to you, as soon as, you become an official member of this site. Users may also put their account in offline mode, which will disable aforementioned equipment, until turned on by the user.
9. A tutorial feature will guide you on how to use the equipment and the user interface of the application. A tutorial mission will also be sent to you after becoming a member.
10. Any injuries related to your missions will be treated for free in a station outside of Planeptune's basilicom.
11. This application is completly free and available to any citizen within the planeptune border. There will be no hidden charges or bills payment.
12. This app and anything related to it shall be controlled by the creator of this online group, who will be known as "King".
This is what was on majority of every Planeptunian phone's screen because the very next day a new app/social-networking site/online community group was announced by the basilicom. Nobody seemed to think twice since the arfoire chips in Planeptune were at an all time low. The lack of entertainment was clearly what urged to install the app, but after seeing the terms and agreements almost every planeptunian's eyes sparkled with interest and excitement as they all pressed 'accept'.
Afterwards their screen displayed a plain bronze-colored background with the app's logo, a series of brass circles, lines, and hollow circles that formed together to resemble a raptor's figure, in the middle and a "welcome to raptor" sign at the bottom of the logo tinted with a lighter brown color in thick font.
It only lasted for a second because afterwards a box suddenly appeared next to them, startling a few because of how quick the delivery was. Their cellphones automatically exited the app.
The contents of the box were very peculiar to most of the planeptunians who received it; pair of goggles, a PDA-like advice, a pistol, a cylinder, and headphones, all having a steampunk mechanical theme.
This was definitely what Planeptune citizens needed to keep their attention away from ASIC's illegal chips. Originally, ASIC provides cheap pirated chips to the public, but in my project's case we'll be providing the citizens with something to divert their attention away from the chips by giving them a high-quality, unique, easy-to-use, safe, and easily accessible source of entertainment that is similar to gaming. Bottom line, we'll be giving Planeptunians a new source of entertainment now that ASIC currently has a shortage of chips.
It was just like a Co-op modern shooter game for real life, but it was also a new hope for Planeptune.
...
Amadeus' POV
It was already morning and we had just announced Raptor today because last night we made some preparations and some arrangements with the guild to provide a few quests for us, but we'll be able to send in quests of our own to the raptor members.
We were all enjoying our breakfast, well in retrospect, Lady Nepgear was still looking through and testing the machines that were supllied to the new members of Raptor. I had already recovered from my little episode last night because of their help and we managed to plan everything and finish everything last night.
"Lady Nepgear, don't you think you should get some breakfast now?" I asked, despite knowing that it will fall on deaf ears because thus was already the 4th time I asked the same question.
"In any case, what are those machines for?" IF asked, while chewing on her breakfast.
"Well those machines are designed to adapt depending on the quest you're given"
"Huh? So you mean that the machines you gave them will help them with the quests you give them?" That's exactly right, Compa.
"That's right, for example if I gave a mission to all raptors to recruit new members then their PDA will show a list of people who are not raptors and their goggles will show the guide them to the their locations" I explained with a smile.
"This is so cool" we turned our attention to the Lady Nepgear's voice. Who was wearing said goggles and turning her head around repeatedly. "I can see every person who's not a raptor in a five mile radius and I can even see the distance, the ETA, and the even the route options" using the same machine raptors can find one another easily, as well as, coordinate better when launching an attack on an enemy.
"What she said" I told them, because she just summarized my explanation for the goggles.
"Okay, so what's with the PDA?" IF asked and I catched my PDA that popped out of my sleeve. They all, except Lady Nepgear, looked at me as if wondering; where did he get that?
"The PDA is our way of communicating to the raptors and their way of communicating with each other, and requesting something from us. We still use the internep for the function of course, but with this we can be a little more secure in terms of giving information" I explained as I fiddled with the PDA's interface. Before showing them the latest feature. "It also has a tactics feature that allows the user to view recommended tactics based on the situation that the goggles will see." To sum it up, the goggles and the PDA are like bread and butter.
"Gust is doubtful about the delivery system, how will you know if they really need reinforcements or not"
"That is also because of their goggles. The goggles will analyze the environment and if the raptor/s really need the piece of equipment they need, then a program on my laptop will automatically send a drone with the equipment to them, the same goes for the request of back up, weapons, vehicles etc." They still looked a little skeptical, so I fiddled with the PDA a bit and requested for an S weapon, naturally I'm an admin, the king or gm of the site so I obviously have my privileges. Not five seconds later a robot drone shaped like cylinder similar to floating R2-D2 came in through the doors and from its head it materialized a modern shotgun with a small box of assorted bullets. They just looked on wide-eyed as the drone left the basilicom. "I have several drones to cater for all raptors, since project raptor came with an underground base of operations for the delivery system, equipment and vehicles."
"Yes, with an ally like Amadeus, Evil shall never triumph over justice delivered by the raptors" and ...she's striking a pose again.
"Okay, then what about the pistol and the stick?" Compa asked, while holding the two items at eye-level.
"those are stun guns ane stun batons. Their voltage settings can be adjusted manually or automatically by the situation analyzed by the goggles" I said demonstrating how the gun and the baton works. The cylinder has a button that when pressed will extend the button that will emit a voltage of electricity that will adjust automatically on the situation the raptor is in or manually by the user in case the goggles malfunction.
"Okay, then what if the goggles were destroyed?" Red asked curiously.
"Then a distress signal will be sent to all raptors giving them a mission to help the raptor in trouble"
"What if the nearest raptor was too far away?"
"Then a rescue drone will be sent to the raptor, a convoy will be sent to the nearest raptors, a more advanced weapon will provided, or a counterattack by weapon-wielding drones will come to the raptor's aid"
They all seem satisfied and content with the program, especially Lady Nepgear. So I brought out my phone and opened a particular application.
"On that note, let's see the chirps about Raptor" I said, while searching through the chirps for Raptor. "hmmm...20, 000 followers already...and counting...apparently it's trending"
Raptor is so cool, it's like I'm playing a modern shooter strategy game in real life. Recommending friends to play with me - Tristy
On first tutorial mission. Finding new members to join Raptor. AWESOME - Pan D.
Best social networking site/online community group/application ever - Kay-Kay.
Join Raptor, Planeptunians. It's the best thing that ever happened to Planeptune, yet - sharesavior.
I never seen technology like this since the last gamindustri expo, this is so amazing. -Neptunialover
This is so cool and so easy, the interface is really cool and raptor members even get their own set of equipment. Love it - Rich E.
Playing Raptor with my friends. Finished with the tutorial. On our way to Virtua Forest to test this out. Wish us luck - PalzzyandFriends
Interface is so easy to use and the equipment gives users the same feel of a modern shooter game. I Love it. - NightVshooter.
"So with that said, I'll check on how many members have joined Raptor so far..." I fiddled with my phone again and... "huh...it seems that we have 2000 members...refreshing...3000"
"3000 members already...?" IF asked in disbelief.
"...refreshing...4000 members" the counter displayed a significantly higher number everytime I reload the program."
"(SPIIIIIIIIITTTT)...4000?" A surprised Compa is surprised.
"...refreshing...5245" i wonder how many members we'll have with one hour of refreshing, but knowing the numbers isn't important now, what we need to do is to get back planeptune's shares. "For now, I suppose it would be best to give them missions from the guild, while they're still getting used to Raptor" it wouldn't be wise to post missions from the guild on the raptor website before giving them missions against ASIC, while they're still new to this, but I did the take the initiative of making the interface and mechanics of Raptor to be as simple and user-friendly as possible.
"I agree, and I think we must let the people get used to the idea of the site before we make any drastic changes" Histoire said in agreement, while she nodded her head.
"I think we should also incorporate the Raptor system for Planeptune's military defences, to give them a edge you know, of course Lady Nepgear and Histoire would be the ones in chrage of that faction" I suggested and all of them, especially Histoire, seemed to be in agreement. "What do you think, Lady Nepgear?" I turned my head...
Nepgear was currently wearing the goggles (that looked similar to a pair of sunglasses that are carved as one shape) and fiddling with the PDA. She also has sparkles in her eyes while doing so.
"Lady Nepgear?"
"...huh?...oh yes, I was actually testing it out and I think this would give us a significant advantage in terms of strategic planning, fire power, and efficiency, when putting a stop to ASIC" Lady Nepgear said passively, while her eyes were still fixed on the PDA.
"Of course, this would mean that you'll have to manage a whole new set of worries, Miss Histoire; considering the fact that Lady Nepgear and the others will be going to Lastation to recruit their mascot's help. Are you sure you'll be able to handle the extra work load?" I asked in concern. She had her eyes closed, before she spoke with a frown on her face.
"I'll admit that adding a new task to my work load will be troublesome, but given the situation then..."
"Minerva can help you; you're still sort of new to this so I think it would be best for you to have someone who actually knows the project as much as I do" I said matter-of-factly and she appeared to be relieved.
"That's much appreciated, Neptune has left a rather large backlog for me and I would really appreciate a few helping hands, especially when Nepgear and the group leave to Lastation" she said not being able to hide her relief.
"Well, Lady Neptune has been a hostage for three years now. It wouldn't surprise me if her backlog is more than little intimidating" I said matter-of-factly; noticing the sudden rise of tension in the room.
"Oh, if only Neptune actually took her work seriously, but I had to deal with more than just the paperwork these last three years" something about her statement got my attention. I know that it was supposed to sound exasperated, but I could clearly detect a hint of sorrow, sadness, and...depression in her voice.
"Excuse me, but it sounded like you were suggesting that Lady Neptune was a bit...of a procrastinator when it comes to work" I said disbelievingly in an attempt to lighten the mood. I was fully aware of what Lady Neptune was like after she deactivates HDD, but I think it's just one of her charms.
In response, Histoire just looked at me as if I had just asked the most ridiculous question she has ever heard. Okay, so I think it worked.
"A BIT! \(o)/" Histoire yelled in exasperation and scoffed. "out of all the goddesses she's the least productive of all, she either relies on her sister or dumps all the work on me. I can say with certainty that if Neptune had been a bit more productive and a better CPU then maybe her shares wouldn't have been so easily taken, maybe ASIC wouldn't have taken over so quickly, maybe she would've been able to fight back, maybe she would've been strong enough to complete the mission i gave them and if ...(hic)...(hic)...I didn't send them there in the first place...maybe she would still be here" her dialogue slowly switched tones; from being an exasperated complainant to something similar to what I sounded like afew hours ago. I didn't think that it would turn out like this. The tension in the room increased and even Nepgear broke out of her busy fiddling and looked at us with concern. I could tell that she was experiencing the same relief I felt.
"It's not your fault, Miss Histoire." I said comfortingly and Minerva suddenly appeared behind her and started rubbing her back comfortingly.
"Miss Histy...don't cry...Miss Nepgear is going to save them...p-please...don't blame yourself" Histoire looked at her and she couldn't help, but smile at the innocent confidence my sister had. It was definitely something she was known for, but she also had a point, blaming ourselves for what happened won't change the situation. We should get up off the ground and do something to save the goddesses, instead of pointing fingers at whose fault this is.
And that's what I'm planning to do.
...
A few hours later (mid-day)
We definitely had an agreement that the citizens that joined raptor would only be given quests from the guild for them to be able to become accustomed to the interface, the technicalities, etc. of the site. However, the soldiers of Planeptune, who really their entbusiasm to try out the new system, will be given missions that will disrupt ASIC's productivity, since they are more experienced in this particular activity. Right after breakfast I explained all the technicalities to them, which took shorter than I thought since they have already become members of Raptor. Bottom line, they were clearly more than a little quialified for the tougher missions. They seemed very willing from the start, but that's probably due to the fact that they'll be able to test out some weapons that have yet to be seen, since I was planning to show off these weapons during the expo. After that I gave the first group of soldiers their first official mission as a raptor, which is to intercept ASIC's courier. They probably use couriers now, thinking that their communication lines were being hacked.
My bugs and sources tell me that a few important documents were on their way to Planeptune via courier delivery. I don't what that delivery contained, but I know for a fact that it can't be anything good.
In any case, I was currently sitting outside a café near the street in the middle of the city; this place in particular gave me a good vantage point of where the courier is, while also being less inconspicous. I had already hacked the security cameras in a 10 mile radius, I have access and control over certain systems, and I have several raptors in place with varying roles assigned.
Some of the raptors were on the rooftop as snipers using non-lethal ammunition, some were on the streets undercover and some were inside pedestrian transportation vehicles, while I'm monitoring the whole set up with my laptop. The raptors will only be able to know who the target is and where the others are, but that won't be enough based on what I've seen during the simulation tests; there's still the possibility of having back up and the fact that they won't much of a vantage point (even if they did, they're still sloppy at best) So my role here is to guide them to achieve the objective as effciently and as stealthily as possible.
Sure enough, our target arrives; 30 meters from where I am and judging by the speed, the courier is riding a car. Just as expected. I've already set up a static field that will short-circuit the battery of the first car that moves over it. Of course, that field is completely invisible because it's placed underground; it kind of works like a minefield.
The car I've been waiting for passes by and it stutters to a stop a few meters from where I was sitting.
"Raptor Trisha, you are clear for infiltration"
"Copy that, King"
I see one of the raptors approach the courier who had just gotten out of the van as she placed a hand on the courier's shoulder in concern. A few seconds later, the courier starts to feel dizzy and Trisha starts to act concerned and leads the courier to a bench, before taking the briefcase and walking away.
"Target Aquired, King"
"Copy that..." Before I could finish my statement I notice two men stand up from their chairs and started following Trisha at a distance. Not good. "Trisha, you're being tailed, distance 25 meters"
"Copy that, King"
"sniper Alice, do you have a clear shot?"
"Negative, King. There are too many civilians" I quickly surveyed the cameras and found a few interestinh things, before deciding on their next positions.
"Sniper Alice, move to point G3. Sniper Amy, move to point H1 and Sniper Trissy move to ground level and find cover"
"roger that, King"
I watched the from the cameras and Trisha was still being tailed. This was what I was worried about, I need to lead Trisha out of there, while keeping the citizens safe in the process. I need to make every piece of information I'm getting count.
"Cross the street Trisha, quickly"
"Got it, King"
After that I just sat back and enjoyed the show.
She does as she's told and the other men pick up the pace and as soon as she's clear I turned the stoplight green to keep the goons from chasing her.
"Take them down, Raptors" sure enough two raptors were headed towards their direction and accidentally bump into them in the process, they both apologized before walking off. After a few seconds the two men walked to sit on a bench. Trisha boarded a taxi with another raptor and started driving into the road...only for another two cars to get into the road as well, which were blocked by another taxi that was dropping off a passenger with an (elderly) woman (they were raptors as well). After the cars failed, I see two men, who are on the sidewalk in front of the taxi that trisha was on, about to pull out guns, when they suddenly drop down back on their seats when the earlier raptors from before shot them with stun bullets, while another raptor shot the tires of the two cars earlier.
In truth, I've already seen those other ASIC heretics before they even got into action, which is why I positioned the raptors in a way that would allow them to take down the heretics. Soon after, they dropped off the briefcase to Planeptune's basilicom.
"Mission accomplished"
...
I arrived shortly in front of the basilicom after they dropped off the briefcase. Their reward was awarded to their accounts respectively and they all seem ecstatic and rather excited about it as well because I walked pass one of the snipers as soon as she pulled out her PDA and checked her account. She even told a few nearby raptor members about the reward and they all went wide-eyes with excitement as well.
Seeing this, however, I couldn't help but wonder what could've happened...if I went through with my plan that day and went to the basilicom to present the project. What's funny, is that I'm on my way to the basilicom as well.
"...I can't think about what could've happened...I need to focus on what I can do to fix what's happening now" I said determinedly before walking through the basilicom doors; something that I never had the courage to do so before.
...
After reading the documents, it turns out that they're planning on focusing their efforts on Lastation because the realized that no matter how tight the security was, they still ended up getting robbed. That's actually a very common strategic tactic as well.
In chess, this is a very common tactic to use. If you can't capture the enemy piece you want, mainly because it's heavily guarded, the you target a piece that is in a poor position. This is usually appiled when it will take too much effort to capture one piece. Afterall, strategy is not about securing one target, it's about using information to plan and prepare ahead of time in order for you to outsmart and trap your opponent.
Huh. Maybe, ASIC isn't made up of goons and bafoons afterall. Although, I'm pretty sure that the CFWs are the one's responsible for this plan.
However, if they're focusing their efforts on controlling and taking over Lastation then we'll be free to reign in supporters here in Planeptune. No, it can't be that simple, there has to be something I'm not seeing here. Why would they focus their attention on Lastation, if we're clearly trying and succeeding in gathering support here in Planeptune.
Maybe they realized that focusing their attention on Planeptune would be a waste of time, money, and resources? I doubt it.
Whatever the case is, I'm currently monitoring a few delivery trucks headed to Lastation from Planeptune. Those delivery trucks are loaded with ASIC chips that were still here in Planeptune; they're going to export their supplies to Lastation instead.
I has three laptops infront of right now, one displayed a where the trucks are in the road via GPS style, another showed live video feeds of the whole area, and the last one showed me the positions of the raptors in the area.
Histoire has already deployed a team of soldiers into the area and right now it's my job to manage the whole operation from the basilicom. This whole mission was essential to Lastation's recovery. Lady Nepgear and the others have already left for Lastation to try and help them in some way, but if those trucks get into Lastation, then their shares will plummet even lower, which isn't good at all.
"Raptors get ready, the target is in range"
"Roger that, King"
The trucks were approaching the ambush point and I just gave the raptors a little heads up. It looks like I won't be able to think so much about ASIC's actions and plans anymore.
"Static field deployed" I could see that one of the raptors activating the static field on the road from my cameras and sure enough the first truck's engine died and skidded to stop, while the other 4 trucks screeched to a halt to stop themselves from crashing.
"What do you think you're doing?" One of the drivers exclaimed angrily as he got out of the car, while the first truck's driver just shrugged and scratched his head in confusion.
"I don't know it just stopped suddenly, I think the battery died"
"How could the battery die, you just replaced it a few minutes ago"
"Snipers, do you have a clear shot?"
"Negative, their being blocked by the trucks"
I could see from my cameras that they were using the trucks as cover; they were on the left side of the truck. They were clearly heavily armed as well and there's the possibillity that there was some backup inside the trucks. So opening the doors would be risky.
"Stand by, infiltration drones are en route, ETA: 1 minute"
"Copy that"
If I ambush them now it would be easy since there are only five of them, but what if there were more heretics inside the truck with the chips, then that would put them in a whole lot of danger. So I sent a few infiltration drones to check the trucks before they go in and judging by the cameras they don't suspect a thing; one of them currently checking the engine to see what's wrong, while the other four were just lazing around. It won't be long before they just head to Lastation themselves.
"King, I have a clear shot on the one by the engine"
"Keep it silent, take him down" as soon as I said that the man by the engine dropped down on the trunk, unbeknownst to the others. The drone won't arrive for another 40 seconds. "Seperate them"
"copy that" they started adjusting their position on the map to the point, where three raptors were behind truck's position, two in front, and five were facing them. They were still camouflaged of course, thanks to the optical camouflage I gave them.
The two teams on the front and back threw rocks at their respective sides, which caused the heretics to raise a few eyebrows, before the two went to each side. Once they were seperated, 4 shots were fired, but one missed the heretic who witnessed his ally drop down he ran back to where he was before and was about to press a button on the side of the truck, when he was shot by the waiting five raptors.
Take note, we're only using stun bullets that will disable the target for nearly two hours. I'm not a fan of using lethal ammunition, but I will if needed.
At any rate, the infiltration drones have just arrived and they looked just like a small rover, brass-colored and mechanical looking of course. The raptors took over at this point, since one of them was currently controlling the drone with their PDA. They got back into position, as the drones started drilling a hole on the bottom of the trucks. It's not a hole big enough to grab anyone's attention, but it's just enough for a small camera to slip in.
A bunch of heretics armed to the gills with all kinds of weapons were guarding the crates of arfoire chips, the same situation applied to all the trucks, which means that the mission would've failed if we ambushed the targets earlier. After seeing what the camera saw. The raptors started fiddling with their respective PDAs, while the others started putting locks on the doors of the trucks.
Soon enough, a familiar gas started seeping through the trucks interior, causing the heretics to panic and bang on the truck's door some even shot at it, but to no avail. Some of them even attempted to call for back-up, but I also had a signal jammer with the raptors, so nobody from ASIC knew that this was happening. A few seconds later, the heretics inside were knocked unconscious by the sleeping gas.
The raptors then deactivated their camouflage and approached the doors, while the snipers positioned themselves for clear shots just in case.
They opened the doors; causing the gas to flow out of the truck and into the open air.
"Requesting transfer vehicle for target transport"
"En route, ETA 10 minutes"
This could really be the game changer Gamindustri has been waiting for; a new ray of hope.
I looked at the ceiling in nonchalance, before turning my head to the window in the general direction of the Gamindustri graveyard.
"We're coming to save you all, just wait a little bit more"
...
...
Well that certainly was a heavy chapter. I'm sorry if this chapter seemed a little sad and depressing, but I wanted it to be that way, since in my opinion the game lacked a bit on that particular department, considering the situation of the goddesses.
Anyhoo, now you all know what Raptor is and if you have any further questions about it please don't hesitate to send me a pm and ask.
Next chapter, the adventure portion of this whole story will come into play as Amadeus goes to Lastation to try and make ends meet
