Chapter Nineteen: It's Time

June 29, 1997. Neo Mexico, en route to Area X.

Inside a covered truck, the soldiers within sat in silence as the vehicle rattled across the desert wilderness. They were preparing to storm SEEN's base and hopefully put an end to the organization once and for all. Fireteam Victor was among them. The five of them, plus Carter, would be among the first to break through Area X's outer perimeter and clear the way for more infantry.

"Hey," Ichigo said. "You haven't said anything this whole drive. You alright?"

"Mmm," said Daniel in reply. It was neither a yes or a no.

"Nervous?" asked Hester. "I don't blame you. Let's just hope we can get through this without any casualties.

"What do you mean? There's obviously going to be casualties," said Vargas. "It's just how these things work."

"What I meant was, at the very least, let's hope the death toll is kept to a minimum," Hester replied.

Daniel agreed via a nod. As the trucks continues on, he replayed Director Mills' parting speech to the soldiers of BAINE:

"All of you here have given so much for our cause. Some of you have been here longer than others, but the fact stands that each and every one of you has done your part to make this world safer.

SEEN is an enemy unlike anything BAINE has faced. Those of you who have been here since their genesis know that too well. They are not savage monsters-they are human beings. They are not mindless-they are cruel, calculating, and spiteful. Their entire movement was created with the intent of shattering every last Gem on Earth, and if they could, they would most likely go even further than that.

Soon, we make what will hopefully be the last move in this battle, and raid SEEN's stronghold. This mission will be perilous, even more so than the Battle of Santa Katrina. SEEN will hit us with everything they have, so we will have to respond in kind. Bring everything you can to this fight, otherwise it will likely be our last. We cannot allow SEEN to continue operating. Win this battle, conquer Area X, and finish SEEN off for good. We're counting on you-all of you."

The Previous Day. BAINE Headquarters.

"Now…" Carter said, standing in front of his squadron. "In some time, we will be departing for Area X. This is most likely going to be our most perilous assignment yet, so all of you are going to be given a different assignment based on specializations you have shown in the field. Albrecht, you're first." Hester stepped forwards. Carter referred to several notecards he produced from his pockets. "Because of your tendency for accuracy and your ability to stay calm under pressure, I'm upgrading you from a standard-issue Gilberman Assault Rifle to a Verrics Sniper Rifle."

"Understood, Captain," said Hester.

"I trust you'll take care of it," he said. As far as sniper rifle manufacturers went, Verrics was one of the best. BAINE's top brass didn't hand them out to just anyone. "Nakayama, you're next."

Ichigo walked forwards. "What'cha have for me, Cap?" he said.

"I was planning on getting something to match your sunny disposition," he said half-jokingly, "but the higher-ups shot that down. Instead, due to your previous experience in handling heavy weaponry, you'll be in charge of explosives."

Ichigo saluted. "Will do, boss."

"Alright. Next, Packard." Gina nodded. "You have proven to be quite savvy regarding software and coding. Dr. Rhodes has asked me to give this to you." He handed Gina a small PDA. "This device will allow you to remotely access all of SEEN's subsystems."

"Wicked," Gina said quietly. "Uh, I mean, yes, captain."

"Right. Vargas."

Vargas waved in recognition. Unlike Gina, he was not even standing up.

"Due to your, eh, aggressiveness, I decided you would make a good frontrunner. As such, you are being upgraded to a O'Dell heavy machine gun."

Vargas' face seemed to light up immediately upon hearing this. "An O'Dell? You're kidding, right? Those things can cut through a tank!"

"An urban legend, but they are quite powerful," said Carter. "I trust you are capable of handling one?"

"Oh, you better believe I am!" Vargas said excitedly.

"Excellent. I'm glad you're having fun. Finally, Bridge."

"Yes, sir?" said Daniel.

"You're taking point, with me. That is all."

"Yes, sir."

Later…

The firing range shook with the cacophonous sounds of hundreds of armor-piercing bullets being rapidly expelled from the nozzle of Vargas' new favorite toy. His face shone with macabre glee as he fired the weapon, which vibrated in his hands. Each of the targets was torn to shreds under the barrage.

When the bullets stopped flying, he regarded the machine gun fondly. "Vargas, my man, you have officially been upgraded from 'killing machine' to 'badass killing machine,'" he said to himself.

"You sure are," someone behind him said. Vargas turned around-Lucas Svartign was observing his 'training session' from the back of the room.

"How exactly did you get in here?" Vargas asked.

"Just strolled on in," he said. "Get this: Carter's giving me free range of the facility now."

"Why exactly would he do that? Did you promise to play nice?"

"Kind of. It probably also had something to do with me signing up to join BAINE."

Vargas, who had gone back to examining his new gun, turned back around. "Woah, woah, woah. You just signed up? Just like that?"

"I mean, I didn't have any reason not to," Luke said. "I didn't like SEEN anyhow, so I've got no reason to go back, even if they'd take me. If I went back, they'd probably lock me in a cell. So it was either a SEEN cell, a BAINE cell, or a BAINE agent."

"Just like that," Vargas said quietly. He began to pack up his weapon. "So, you coming to Area X with the rest of us?"

"Nah, I don't start officially 'til next week," he said. "Don't think I'm just doing this to save my own skin, though. For what it's worth, I hope you take those guys down a peg."

Vargas strolled out of the room. "No offense, but it isn't worth much. Not yet, anyhow."

Luke nodded. "Eh, fair enough. I mean, I did used to work for SEEN. I can understand why you don't exactly trust me yet."

Vargas continued walking. "That isn't why," he said, quiet enough to not be heard.

Present Day…

Daniel suddenly sat bolt upright. He had been resting his eyes when he was roused by the truck swerving to the side, followed by an explosion. More like it soon followed, accompanied by gunfire.

"I take it that's the welcoming party?" Ichigo shouted over the sounds.

The truck soon made its way past Area X's outer defenses. Everyone braced for impact as it smashed through a gate and into some manner of courtyard. SEEN soldiers fired on it, everyone inside preparing to disembark.

"Alright, everyone, get ready to run!" said Carter. Fireteam Victor did so.

Daniel took a few deep breaths. He made double-checked his rifle one last time. Magazine was secure, safety was off. With everything in place, Daniel vaulted clear of the truck bed.

It was time at last.