When you try to fight Nyto without having unlocked HOC yet.
Chapter 14: The Military's job
After the long and arduous battle with not only the Sangvis but also the ELID, the Griffin troops returned in triumph. When the top brass found out that they had split up their force to pick up M16 against their order of focusing on eliminating Intruder, there was quite a commotion among the chain of command.
But when the detailed report was presented by Helian, they oculd not find even a single fault worth disciplining for not only did the main objective was achieved, the troops technically did not go against order for the meeting with Squad 404 to obtain intel concerning the mission was also included in the report. Simply put they were all silenced and reluctantly or not, had to let the case slide.
Three days later, with yet another Ringleader down, Base 794 returned to carrying out miscellaneous tasks, more specifically, collecting Sangvis spare parts for Persica as research sample. Of course, the presence of a certain T-Doll with the tendency of ripping her enemies to pieces was especially helpful.
"Oh! These are going to be very helpful! Even against upgraded units, you seem to be having no trouble at all, hats off to you, Mr Boss." Just then receiving the package of Sangvis spare parts on her end, Persica excitedly rummaged through them while conversing on the terminal screen.
"Just so you remember, we're not your personal lackeys, you know." Standing before the terminal with one hand on his hip, Tiger spoke up.
"Don't be so stingy now, Mr Boss. After all, I am lending my precious girls to you so, a favor for a favor, right?"
"Last time I checked, you asked us to look for the Commander, so it's you who owed us a favor."
"Is that so?" seeing Persica replied nonchalantly while still rummaging through the heap of Sangvis spare parts, Tiger let out a sigh. But the next sentence he spoke up was able to gather her attention.
"Anyway, now that we're on the subject,"
"Hm?"
"Why do you still hold back on making contact with M4?" when he posed that question, Persica immediately stopped her hands. At the same time, there was noise of something being knocked over at the door but Persica did not seem to notice.
"Why, you asked? I'm just lazy, no particular reason, really…" Persica answered, but Tiger's unfazed expression was apparent to her that he was not convinced by that answer.
"Well, it's just that for the moment, I have no use for her."
"Doesn't have to be mission-related. You're her creator and called her your 'child', so in a sense you're already her parent. What kind of parent doesn't want to see their children?"
"Ah, no, that's just a way of addressing. I did not mean it literally-"
"So on that note, please come in, Commander." Without letting Persica finish her sentence, Tiger turned toward the door and called out. The metal door then slid open as M4 entered, looking all bashful because she got found out.
"It's, it's been a while, Ms Persica." M4 waved at Persica whose jaw was still hanging agape. Only after a good minute did she regain her composure and replied to M4.
"I-indeed, it has been a while, M4." Exchanging a greeting that was way too formal for the occasion, the two could then only twiddle with their thumbs or stare at each other awkwardly. The two then, in complete sync, looked at Tiger for an icebreaker but by that time he was already walking out of the door.
"Then I'll be stepping out and give you two some privacy." Faster than any of them could react, Tiger promptly made his exit from the stage, leaving the two awkward daughter and parent to their own device.
"And just what are you three doing?" as Tiger exited the room, he saw Kalina, SOP-II and M16, all three of them pressing their ear against the wall trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"Yo, Adjutant." Waved M16, still pressing her ear against the wall.
"Ah, h-hi there, Mr Tiger." Kalina stuttered while waving at Tiger, then she realized that she was still holding a glass cup in her hand and quickly hid it behind her back.
"Hey, Adjutant, is it really Persica M4 is talking to?" SOP-II asked while didn't even even bother to hide or justify for her act of eavesdropping, apparent from how she's still pressing her ear against the wall.
"Yes she is, although it was only pure coincidence that she came while we were talking. Just how in the world can those two be awkward when it's just a small talk with each other?" when Tiger sighed, M16 snickered and finally moved her head away from the wall.
"Wanting them to reciprocate, aren't you considerate, Adjutant."
"More like it's going to take them both forever to gather their courage and make the first move unless someone give them a good push."
"Anyway, is there something you need, Kalina?"
"Ah, right! The mission this time actually came from one of our squadron." Kalina responded while searching for the briefing file on her tablet before handing it over to Tiger.
"The team sent by Helianthus, was it? I remembered they departed the day before after borrowing a few of our Dolls, but just what were their mission exactly-"
"If I recalled, Ms Helian said it was a contract from the military…" Kalina was busy recalling the detail from her memory that she did not notice Tiger's words had come to a sudden halt. And when she finally turned her gaze back to him…
"Wow, that is one impressive expression you're making, Mr Tiger." Yes, his expression was…quite expressive, to say the least.
With both his brows knitted tightly into a single line, one corner of his mouth arched downward as he stared at the words written in the briefing file in disbelief. Perturbed, annoyed, agitated, all of the above, it was that kind of expression.
"'Assisting the military forces in suppressing the rampaging armored units'. Heh, and after failing miserably at keeping their shit together that allowed the Sangvis to get their hands on all those armored units, now they even have the gal to request outside assistance to clean up after their mess?" Tiger continued to skim through the briefing while spewing nothing but scorn and spite all aimed at the military, which came as a surprise for the trio.
From their observation of him, be it during work, break time or in combat, Tiger is the type that will speak his mind but will only reprimand someone when they displayed insubordination, like Ingram and her habit of rushing too far ahead. So seeing him badmouthing the military nonstop like this, they widened their eyes in surprise.
"Anyway, I'd still have some documents and a whole other batch of Sangvis spare parts to deal with today so let Eagle deal with this one." Before any of them could raise a question, Tiger had already skimmed through the entire briefing and only after he handed the tablet back to Kalina did his brows seem to ease up.
"I'll be in Storehouse 2 if you need me. And tell Eagle to 'pack extra for the trip'."
"Adjutant, Adjutant, can SOP-II come too?" and even after he had denied, she still tagged along anyway.
Shooting range.
With most of the personnel currently running logistics or are away on mission, the shooting range today was much quieter than usual. Kalina entered and looked around to see Eagle and AR-15 talking near the gun rack.
"Ms Kalina." AR-15 was the first to notice Kalina coming in as they both turned to face her when the latter called out.
"Hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"Not really, Advisor and I was just talking. Anyway, is something the matter?"
"Actually, yes. Here, Mr Eagle."
"Me?" Eagle raised an eyebrow when Kalina handed the tablet over to him. She then explained that Tiger told her to have him take care of this mission, and after taking a glance at the briefing he finally understood the reason.
"Ah, no wonder since the military is involved in this one." Eagle said to himself like it was a matter of fact, but when she mentioned the last bit that Tiger said, his gaze immediately changed.
"Mr Tiger also said 'to pack extra for the trip', whatever does that mean."
"Oh, Chief said that?" Kalina did not seem to notice, but AR-15 did. Normally Eagle has a very calm and relaxed air about him, but in an instant the air around him changed and his gaze, while not very noticeable, became sharp like that of a predatory bird. Just by seeing that gaze from the side, AR-15 noticed she started swallowing her saliva subconsciously.
"Um, Mr Eagle?"
"Yes?" and just like that, his gaze returned to normal at the drop of a hat when Kalina spoke up.
"I hope this isn't prying too much but…Did something happen between Mr Tiger and the military?"
"Chief and the military? Ah, he made that face again, didn't he?" Eagle could tell exactly the kind of expression Tiger made without even asking. After probing his chin for a while, which got Kalina, and even AR-15, at the edge of their seat, he gave his answer.
"Well, let's just say that some bad bloods happened. One reason is because they got a piece out of him, but mainly because their way of doing things just doesn't sit well with him." Shedding enough light but without revealing too much secret, enough to keep the listener craving for more, that was the kind of answer Eagle gave. And just before either of them could push the story any further, Eagle had promptly shifted the topic back to the mission at hand.
"Anyway, I'll take care of this mission. And this is actually a good chance."
"Why don't you come along, Ms AR-15?"
"Eh?"
Nightfall, Sector 2.
After the chopper had landed at the temporary campsite, Eagle and AR-15 then got off and there was someone already waiting for them at the helipad.
From her getup it was easy to tell that she's a T-Doll. An outfit that is very reminiscent of the force that ruled the entire underworld more than a century ago, a tall stature and a well-endowed figure, short lavender hair, two red pupils covered by a pair of shades, and in one hand is the weapon that she is partnered with, the Thompson submachinegun.
Leader of one of Helian's taskforces, she is Thompson.
"Evening to you, Boss. You've arrived right in time." Approaching the duo, Thompson gave her salute.
"Evening to you, too, Ms Thompson." Hearing Eagle greeted back so formally, Thompson burst out laughing.
"We're the one requesting your assistance here so no need to be so formal, Boss. Right now among G&K you two are kind of a big deal, especially after your latest operation against the Sangvis. Took us lots of work just to borrow a bit of your time. And this is…" Thompson then shifted her gaze to AR-15 standing slightly behind Eagle as he moved slightly to the side to make some space for her.
"ST AR-15 of the AR Team. Thank you for having me here."
"She's a profession at what she does so just rest assured."
"Aha, that fabled elite squad I've heard so much about. Hahaha, if the Boss has personally vouched for your skill then I guess I can only take your words for it."
"Now then, it is almost time. Shall we move on to the main topic?" on Eagle's cue, Thompson nodded and signaled for the duo to come into the tent. The three of them stood around a large table as Thompson began the briefing.
"For this operation, we have two main objectives."
"First is, of course, to assist the military. In order to do that, we need to sneak a couple of our girls in here, here and here to cause a disturbance among the Sangvis ranks. In other word, infiltration and that's where pro like you comes in, Boss." As Thompson explained the battle plan to them, while AR-15 was still listening quietly Eagle has gotten a grasp on the bottom line.
"In short, our goal is to disrupt the enemy and only that, while the military do most of the heavy lifting."
"You catch on quick, Boss. It is just like you've said, the military wanted to hog all the glory and looks good in the public eyes, but at the same time they must also take precaution to not bite more than they can chew."
"As such, we shall lend them our assistance but only until we have earned our pay. Anything beyond that is their problem."
"I see. And the second objective?" hearing the question, Thompson then pointed at one of their defence point.
"This one here, where most of the Sangvis troops are posted, is the Command Center and the prize that we are aiming for. There are many data that are of great value to the Organization, and our boss lady has explicitly ordered us to retrieve those data."
"Once the operation has reached the final stage, the military will undoubtedly storm the Command Post with everything they have, or bombard it with everything they have, both are scenario we wanted to avoid at all cost. That's why we're counting on you, Boss. Give it your best."
The strategic planning then wrapped up just as the clock hits eight. Making one last equipment check and confirming the route to their first destination, the trio immediately departed. Once the campsite was no longer within their field of view, AR-15 then quickened her pace to match Eagle as she asked him is a slightly muffled voice.
"Advisor, I still don't understand just what is your intention for bringing me along. Like Thompson had just explained, to remain unseen is the key for this mission and there's no one better for the job than you. Then just what reason do I have for being here?"
"Before questioning what is your reason for being here, question what purpose can you accomplish while being here." His words gave AR-15 a momentary pause as she felt like a switch had just been flipped in her DigiMind. Like putting together the last pieces of a puzzle, everything started to click but she is still yet very confused. Only when Eagle placed a hand on her shoulder did her mind return to the present.
"Don't worry, maybe not now but you'll come to understand it soon enough. For the time being, I want you to 'closely observe' all the events that you will come across."
"Now let's go. We have a mission to carry out."
Time check 20:19.
With a major threat that is the military force being presented in the area, the Sangvis troops have all been recalled back to their three major outposts to prepare for the big confrontation. As such, the security around their station was much tighter than usual with double the amount of patrolling troops.
Making their way to the first Sangvis outpost, an abandoned town located at the foot of a cliff, AR-15 and Thompson followed Eagle's lead, slipping through the gap in their patrol routes to reach their first destination.
From the records in the databank, this town is actually made up of two sections. The part on top of the cliff that was built by the first denizens that settled here was the old town which at the beginning was only a small town meant for workers and miners of a silver mine about more than a klick away from here and their family.
Then, as the industry prosper and more and more people started to come, so did the follow-up services. Quickly grab hold of this chance, the town was expanded and the commercial district was erected at the foot of the cliff. Quickly, what was once just a small town became a full-blown trading-point of goods. Until the ELID started ravaging everything and the war broke out, that is.
According to Thompson's intel, the Sangvis had made their encampment in the commercial district, but that is not to say there won't be any patrolling troops in the old town.
With two parts of the town separated by the terrain, during the expansion of the town a lift system was also built into the cliff face for ease of transportation. With that being the shortest route they can take right, now the three decided to head for the lift system.
"Got it." Jamming his knife into the opening between the door and the frame, Eagle then slowly twisted his knife as the aged and rusty lock gradually gave in to the pressure and broke down. Compared to the lift, the maintenance crew elevator was the safer choice of the two. It was only a two minutes ride to the top, but the moment they arrived the thing they saw caused them breathless.
The edge of the cliff was heavily fortified with Jaguars and heavy ordnance emplacements. Seems the military isn't the only one with the idea of just bombing their opponent back to the stone age. But alas, that is none of their concern.
Moving away from the lift system, they scouted around the area for a bit to get a clear picture of the Sangvis patrol routes. After agreeing on a single building that is a fair distance away from the cliff edge but still close enough to keep an eye on the situation of the commercial district down below, they proceeded to taking out a few of the patrol troops around it before entering inside.
"Hahaha, that was one hell of a ride, Boss! Those Sangvis didn't even know what hit'em." Thompson tried her hardest to suppress her laughter. Throughout all her years as a team leader and being in the thick of battle herself, this was probably the first time she ever faced the enemy so close and with them being none the wiser of her presence nonetheless.
It's true that the optical camouflage trivialized much of the process, but such feat wouldn't have been possible without Eagle. Not only the function and capability of the armor, he must also always remember the distance at which they will be guaranteed safety, and when is the right time that they can breach said distance without raising any suspicion.
"Give me a minute. I need to discuss the next move with my tactician." Moving next to the window, Thompson then contacted her 'tactician'.
"M1911, do you read?" and on the other side of the line, a voice answered back.
"Well well well, much faster than I anticipated. So who did they send? Is it the total hunk blondie? Looks like he just can't wait to see me~."
"Cut it out. I need to deploy some of my girls here, it got a good view on the Sangvis. Any advice?"
"For reconnaissance mostly, right? Then a Handgun would be good. Let's see who do we have…" as M1911 was going over her mental list of available Dolls that are up to the job, their conversation was interrupted by an energetic voice.
"Let me handle it, Ms Thompson! I can do it better than M1911!"
"O-oy, M9!"
"You sure? While we may have secured this building, it is still just outside the enemy's camp so your concealment and safety will be dangling on a thread."
"Don't worry! I've handled countless Sangvis and I also have a few tricks to get me out of a sticky situation up my sleeves! I'm confident I can handle a simple reconnaissance task on my own!"
"Haha, I like the attitude. Alright, the job's your."
"Hehe, thank you, Ms Thompson. I won't let you down, I'll prove to you that I'm far superior than a certain 'granny'."
"Hey, I heard that!"
As have been decided, the recon of this Sangvis camp will be entrusted to M9. After leaving behind some supply and setting up a few safety measures, the trio then exited the old town. The moment they are out of the danger zone, Eagle then slowed and turned around toward the commercial district.
He pulled the bolt on his sniper rifle and loaded a bullet that is painted with a purple crossbones on the tip. He took aim for about two seconds then pulled the trigger. With a suppressor installed and at a distance nearing 900 meters away from the Sangvis's camp, the sound of his gunfire only sounded like the blowing of the night wind.
The entire process was done in less than ten seconds and within that timeframe, not even AR-15 and Thompson who were just a few feet away from him were aware of his actions. Pulling the bolt once more to eject the casing, he then rejoined the other two.
Making their way to the next destination, the mission continued to proceed smoothly. The most they have to deal was a few patrol troops along the way, and only once did they encounter a squad of armored machine units.
"Everything's proceeding smoothly so far, Thompson." M1911 spoke through the radio as the three approached closer to the second destination.
"Ha, guess who was put in charge of the operation here." Thompson then responded back with a confident tone. Hearing that, M1911 quickly reminded her of the actual obstacle that is still ahead.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself yet. We still have a couple more locations to cover. Not to mention, some of the T-Dolls we have…some real problematic T-Dolls…" M1911's voice trailed off slightly and Thompson already knew just who was it that she's referring to.
"I've got two pros with me here, infiltration is just a child's play. But yes, I get where you're coming from. It's her, right?"
"Have you thought about how to deal with her? Without ruining too much working atmosphere…"
"Heh, you know that I'm not Springfield. I'll just have to work things out slowly." After about five more minutes of walking through the woods, they finally arrived at the recon spot of the second Sangvis camp. A ranger outpost that had been repurposed into a resupply station and a temporary stop for troops.
Pushing the old wooden door opened as it creaked slightly, the trio then got inside. The inside is a bit dusty, but the supplies are still intact. However, the one that is supposed to be stationing here did not come to greet them as planned. They got up to the lookout spot and there was still no one.
Thompson was about to call M1911 to ask about the whereabouts of the one stationing here, but Eagle, after a quick scan of the building, already knew that she's playing a prank on them. He walked to the corner where a stash of supply was covered with a blanket on top and pulled it down.
There was, indeed, only a stash of supply under the blanket. At that moment, there was the creaking sound of something pressing against the wooden wall above. Without looking up, Eagle quickly took three steps backward as a shadow then landed before him. With her surprise attack seen through which was actually well within her expectation, the shadow then immediately transitioned into an overhead leap.
"Fancy meeting you here, hotshot." Landing behind him, Ingram clung onto his neck and gave a light touch on his nose with her index.
"Yes, fancy meeting you here too, Ingram. This is fundamentally a covert op, no? I thought you preferred things that are more hectic."
"Oh, you know me. Just another one of my whim. Although I must say I was sorta tricked into this one…" Ingram's voice then trailed off.
Even after the stunt she had just pulled, Eagle was completely calm without a sign of getting angry, such is just his nature.
"Oy, MAC-10! Just what did we talk about in exchange of me letting you in on the team?" However, such undisciplined behavior did not bode well with the other two as it made especially Thomspon quite upset.
"Oh, I still remembered it clearly all right. I promised to follow your order in exchange for some excitement in my life, but look at what I get now! What I want is a bloodbath, Thompson! Not scurrying around in some dinky outpost like a rat!" still clinging onto Eagle's neck, Ingram retorted, venting out all her aggression.
"And I've already told you we're on an infiltration mission beforehand but you still insisted on joining! We're doing business here, MAC-10. There's no reason to splurge our own money if we can just use other's." there was plenty of finger pointing neither of them have any intention of backing down.
Staying on the sideline, AR-15 just couldn't stand it any longer. Although Eagle had told her to closely observe the events that she will come across, she feels the need to do something and quick or the entire operation will be jeopardized at the rate this quarrel is going. So as she was about to step in, the ground shook slightly as the sounds of explosion reached their ears.
"Was that…artillery fire?" AR-15 mumbled and immediately Thompson received a call from M1911.
"Talk to me, what happened?"
"Nothing good. The military started their operation early, and where M9 is stationing just became the frontline."
"Seems they really don't have even an ounce of trust in us. Do you have any back-up plans?"
"Of course I do. Who do you take me for?"
"Then I leave her case to you. Let's get a move on, Boss. And Ingram."
"What?" Ingram replied irritably, but when she saw Thompson reached out her hand and hand her a detonator, the frown on her face quickly eased up into a wide grin.
"We're doing business here so orders from above are absolute. But once the job is done, I don't care what is it that you do. A bloodbath, heck even letting hell loose, as long as it is within permissible range and you don't get caught for it."
"Heh, looks like you're not as dull as you made yourself out to be."
Wrapping up the business with Ingram, the three then left the ranger outpost and immediately headed for their last destination, the Sangvis Command Post.
"Was just now also an order from Ms Helian?" running through the woods at full speed, Eagle asked Thompson.
"No, it was my decision alone. Being in charge of a team where every single member is either a problematic child or a troublemaker, you have to constantly think outside of the box and slowly you learn how to reach a compromise so that both sides will benefit."
"But is that really okay, though? What if someone caught wind of it and report it to the higher ups?"
"Then I'll have to silence them before they have the chance to. But if it's you, Boss, then I guess I can only bet my money on your whim." Understanding just what is it Eagle is implying with his words, Thompson answered with a small chuckle. Eagle then glanced over to AR-15 to ask for her opinion and she gave a simple answer.
"I'll follow whatever call you make, Advisor. Besides, I was order to simply 'closely observe' so I have no obligation to report anything." And with that, Eagle then also gave his final verdict to Thompson.
"Well, officially we're a support unit meaning we follow whoever the leader of the operation is. I guess there's 'nothing significant to report' then." Said Eagle while making a gesture of pulling a zipper across his mouth. Their surprise but also somewhat within expectation response made Thompson burst out into a hearty laugh.
"Hahahaha, then I thank you for your understanding, Boss."
Roar of gunfire and explosion reverberated in the atmosphere, cannon shells and AA fire lighting up the entire night sky, at the Sangvis Command Post an intense battle between them and the military, both sides going neck and neck with each other.
By the time the three of them arrived, the battlefield was already littered with corpses of both machine and human soldier, but considering the size of their forces such number was only the 'disposable vanguard'. Only until now did they bring out the big gun.
"You sure are taking your sweet time, Thompson! Tell me quick who the hell do I shoot?!" at the recon spot, there was a T-Doll dressed in red with long hair of a similar color already waiting for them, But the moment they arrived, she immediately yelled at Thompson while still aiming down the scope but the rifle was rather shaky and her index seemed very itchy to pull the trigger at the first chance she gets.
"Do you even have to ask, M21?" her name is M21. When Thompson responded to M21'a question with one of her own, she finally calmed down and her aim became much steadier.
"Then under the condition that we finish the mission, raise the barrel by 1cm…How does that sound?"
"Under the contract's permissible range, play around a little. So, you do you." At that moment, yet another artillery barrage rained down on the Sangvis Command Post. Clicking her tongue, Thompson turned to Eagle.
"I'll leave this place to your expertise, M21. Time for me to earn my pay. Let us be on our way, Boss."
Fighting such an intense battle with the military since both side possessed armored machine unit, with the military possibly being on the higher-end with their technology, the Sangvis had concentrated even their reserve troops to the fore front which made their job of getting in even easier.
Infiltrating from the back, the three encountered the Sangvis commander dummy and her escorts. After taking her out, the movement of Sangvis armored units instantly became extremely sluggish, enabling the army to push their offense but at the same time that means they also do not have much time left.
Kicking down the door of their central command, Thompson then immediately began to extract the data that Helian wanted. In that mean time, Eagle and AR-15 then ran to the front to fulfill their end of the contract even when the military was the one who jeopardized the entire operation first.
"Alright, it's time we actually get to work."
Posted at the window, the two began to scout out the current tide of the battle through their scopes. After that artillery barrage, the Sangvis frontal assault troop has been scattered and for the time being is unable to regroup due to poor visibility whereas the military with their higher-end units are quickly moving in for the kill.
"Bearing 318, just beyond the smoke column of the downed battle tank, do you see that squad of Aegises?"
"I see them."
"Now, bearing 26, see those two approaching military squads? They're blending in with the smoke to remain undetected, so let's blow their cover away." Such an outrageous order was easily spoken by Eagle. Yet AR-15, she did not spare even a single thought to question him and only followed up with a calm voice.
"We're assisting the Sangvis then?"
"Not exactly. Considering the contract, assisting the military is the logical course of action. However, considering our mission, we need to keep them away from here until our objective is achieved. And to that end, we're going to orchestrate a string of 'unfortunate accidents'."
"So are you ready?"
"Yes, following your lead, Advisor." AR-15 nodded back. The two of them then inhaled deeply to regulate their breathing and synchronized their pulse. Following Eagle's lead, AR-15 angled her shot as the bullet bounced off the armor plating of the downed tank and toward the direction of the two military squads, surprising and causing them to be wary.
Following that, Eagle shot an Incendiary round at the fuel tank in the back, causing a huge explosion. The blast not only blew the smoke away, also tricked the military squads into thinking their cover had been blown as they immediately halted their advance and hunkered down for an ambush. At the same time the Sangvis Aegis squad was alerted of the enemy presence and quickly took the initiative to attack first.
Bearing 351, another military squad approached, they're moving between covers that are Manticore wrecks. Chambering the next bullet, this time an AP round, Eagle shot at the Manticore that the military is moving toward to, boring a hole at the connecting section of is main cannon and body. Then AR-15 also took her shot, the bullet pierced through the air and precisely into the hole opened up by Eagle.
With its power core that is still active penetrated, the Manticore gave a sudden jolt before exploding in a massive burst of energy similar to an EMP, instantly taking out the military squad's machine units by short-circuiting them.
"And…done!" a few minutes later, Thompson finally extracted all the required data from the Sangvis central command. She then notified Eagle and AR-15 as the three promptly made their escape from the Sangvis Command Post.
"Now, Ingram!" Thompson gave the signal as on the other side of the line, Ingram raised the detonator in her hand high into the air and pressed the button. After a brief instance of silence, the Sangvis command post was blown up high into the sky.
Half an hour later, G&K temporary campsite.
Finishing wrapping up all the loose ends on their end, Eagle, AR-15 and Thompson then returned to the campsite to see the entirety of Thompson's squad had all assembled and was chatting happily with each other. And among them there was even a familiar face from another base.
"Ms Thompson!" seeing Thompson approaching, M9 waved at her with the same energetic tone as back then.
"Good work out there, girls. Especially you, M9. Considering your post was suddenly caught in the crossfire, you getting out of there unscathed was nothing short of a miracle.
"Hehehe, I told you I have a few tricks up my sleeves, didn't I?" M9 smiled back at Thompson's compliment while making a victory sign.
"Anyway, just what the hell actually happened back there?" M1911 asked, referring to the military starting the operation earlier than expected.
"I'm not so sure of it myself. I was keeping watch on the Sangvis as per your order when all their troops suddenly went berserk and stormed the military's camp."
"Berserk? You sure it wasn't just one of their surprise attack tactics?"
"No, when I said 'stormed', I mean it in the literal sense! They charged with abandon at the military troops, not even care about the fact that they're walking in the line of fire. And when they have sustained enough damage, the Sangvis troops then went 'kaboom' like a bunch of suicide bombers!"
Even after asking her about the situation of the first Sangvis outpost, M9's words only gave all of them even more questions instead of answer. Then as she glanced over to Eagle and AR-15 who were talking to each other near the helipad, Thompson then recalled a similar incident that is the battle against Hunter when all Sangvis troops also went berserk and started attacking each other. In her gut, a strange feeling welled up but she decided not to say anything. After all, she still owed a debt to those two.
"So, have you gotten your answer yet?" leaning against a stash of supply crate, Eagle asked AR-15 who was also doing the same.
"I am still unsure if I have gotten any, to be honest. However, at the very least I feel like I've gotten a lead on how to reach those answers. Thank you for letting me accompany you today, Advisor."
"That's good then. Just remember, Ms AR-15. We are the ones who hunt, but we must choose wisely the time to pull the trigger and the prey that's worth hunting."
A few minutes later, two choppers finally arrived to take them back to their bases. Getting on the chopper, AR-15 looked out to the far reaching horizon as the sun began to rise. The light reflecting in her eyes is that of the blinding radiance and also the light of her newfound resolve.