Satisfied with his work Alexis took out a communicator from his pocket " It is done master, " he said. " Well done, " a deep voice answered.
" Have you been able to sabotage the facility, " asked the voice. " Yes I have sabotaged the sentry guns and we should have no problem storming into the facility.
They will fire at anyone who does not bear our sign when I activate them with the remote, " he said patting the pocket where the remote is kept.
" You can commence the operation now, " he added. The voice let out a deep booming laughter," Be ready when we give the signal, " and the communicator bleeped off.
Alexis smiled and slowly walked to his assigned post.
In the next half an hour the alarms bleared when explosions and laser fire could be heard. " Close all blast doors! Let no one in! " said Briggs the security officer.
He smiled as the blast doors leading to the Pexis were closing. " They cannot come in now, " he said in triumph.
He could see troopers dressed in red amour gathering outside from the security camera's screen at his post in the control room. One of the troops then saw the camera and gave a wave.
He pointed at the door mockingly to anybody who's watching. The officer face went from triumph to confusion and to bewilderment as the blast doors opened.
" How? " but he had no time to figure it out. " We've been caught with our pants down!" he cried angrily.
" Charlie go and get a few fellows and head down to the mechanism. We have to shut it manually! " he bellowed.
Without thought Charlie jumped into action he gathered a few men inside the control room.
They've just opened the door to get out when two automated sentry guns shot them down.
"Wha-" Briggs stared as his men fell dead to the floor before of him. Shutting the steel doors quickly before the guns took aim Briggs cursed and
took his security card and placed it into the reader.
He typed in the password to shutoff the automated sentry guns, " ACCESS CODE DENIED, " the computer said." Stupid computer! " He pounded at the panel.
" WARNING! MALFUNCTION UNABLE TO COMPLY, " it said again. " What the f**k! " he cursed.
" This thing is useless, " he said in disgust. He then radioed for help, " This is Officer Briggs requesting for immediate--, " he stopped when he found there is no signal available.
" Shit! " with his panic rising he grabbed a blaster from the armory and hid himself behind a terminal, cold sweat flowed down his forehead.
" Damn! Am I just gonna die like this? " he thought hoping that the fighting will die down soon.
The guards are having a hard time holding their post. Not only they have the Red Eye's troops to content with but the automated sentry guns that fired madly at them
when they got into range. " Pull back! And regroup," shouted Hojo a security officer when his team was caught in the fire between enemy troops and sentries at the main hall.
They dodged lasers and returned fire running along the way. Their intention was to get into cover down at the corridors ahead.
They were just about to succeed when suddenly few of the Red Eye troops came crashing down through the windowed ceiling above lowering themselves on ropes.
Zap! Zap! they fired their lasers while hanging onto the ropes.
Hojo cursed as his comrades fell down dead, " Freeze! And no one will get hurt! " said one of the troopers. Seeing that he was surrounded Hojo reluctantly
put his hands behind his head. The rest of his comrades did the same. In no time the troops push them to the floor face down and bound them.
When all is done they hauled him and his comrades up. He noticed someone was standing in the shadows in front of him. The shadow stepped forward into the light,
" Alexis! What is the meaning of this, " Hojo cried angrily. When he tried to push his way forward but the troopers held him back and one of them pointed a blaster
at his neck. Alexis smirked at his prisoner, "The meaning of this Hojo is that I am scouring this facility killing everyone and taking the Pexis with me," he said never taking his eyes
of the security officer.
" What? Are you insane?! " he yelled struggling. The trooper who pointed the blaster gave a knock at Hojo's stomach with the end of his blaster as a warning.
Hojo winced in pain and Alexis gave out a small laugh, " No not insane just possessed, " razing his hand he giving a sign. "Kill them," he said flatly with his eyes glinting.
" Wait! Arrghh! " Hojo fell down dead along with his comrades when the troops open fire. Turning from the carnage he motioned the troop officer to come forward.
"What is your name?," Alexis addressed the troop officer, "Hans," the troop officer replied.
" Hans make sure that you keep these bodies contained, " he said pointing at the bodies." Our master needs them for the ' Cleansing ', " Hans nodded at Alexis.
" Once we have secured the area we need to lock ourselves in until reinforcements and transport for the Pexis arrive then we can destroy this facility.
Got it?! " said Alexis eyeing the officer. " Yes, sir! " Hans saluted .
" Good. Now continue your work, " Hans waved his hand and his squad marched with him down the dimly lit corridors.
Alexis stared at the dead bodies when the last of the troops marched out of his sight trying to portend hidden secrets from their souls.
~~ In a nearby military installation ~~
Colonel Meyers is pacing back and forward in his office when suddenly his intercom bleeped. He activated it and a holographic image pop up in front of him.
He could see an ensign in a worried state, " Sir, we have reports confirming that the research facility carrying the Pexis is under attack, " he said.
The colonel massaged his temples to keep the blood circulation flowing when the ensign talked. " How strong is the enemy? " said Meyers.
" Our intelligence reports that about forty men have stormed into the facility," said the ensign.
" That little? And how did they get in? The facility can be sealed with blast doors that are made of 10-inch thick titanium steel.
Even if they manage to get through they'll have to deal with the automated sentry guns," said Meyers putting his elbows on top of his desk and frowning. "
Sources say that someone that has access to the facility had sabotaged the security systems, " said the ensign.
Meyers stared at his desk, he knew that reports of a cult that attacked the expedition fleet. This must be the same cult that is after the Pexis.
"What should we do sir?" asked the ensign breaking the silence. "Get me Blair McNair and Jin Tokai into my office. I need to speak to them privately," said Meyers.
"Will do sir," the ensign saluted and the intercom bleeped off. The next ten minutes both Blair and Jin are standing in front of him.
In his judgment Meyers chose Jin Tokai for this mission because he had experience in dealing with cult's troops before and Blair a commando
from the British army with skills for infiltration missions. " Gentlemen, " he addressed both men standing attention in front of him,
" at exactly 0130 hours the Tokyo Research Institute has been attacked by unknown troops dressed in red.
I think one of you knows who they are, " said Meyers eyeing Jin's shocked expression.
" Our intelligent reports that the enemy has sealed themselves in probably waiting for reinforcements to ship the Pexis and them out," he explained.
" As I speak our troops had already set watches and sentries on all roads to prevent them from coming out but we cannot risk a full scale assault.
They may be holding some hostages inside and since the security of the facility is sabotaged it is assumed the one that's having the access may initiate a
self-destruct sequence to the facility if threatened," he continued. " Sir, may I ask on what should we do? " said Blair.
" I'm sending you both to infiltrate the facility and put the stop to their plans.
You are to subdue the saboteur, make sure he doesn't notice it until it's too late," said Meyers. " Are you gentlemen up to it? " he asked. " Sir, yes sir! " they replied.
"Good. Follow me to the briefing room, I'll explain your mission details, " said Meyers leading them.
Both men could see a detailed holographic map of the facility at the display table in the centre. Colonel Meyers pointed at something on the map,
" You will enter the air vent located here outside at the second floor and crawl through the air shaft. This will lead you inside the storage area and from there you will
continue on your way to the power room, " a red arrow pointed at the location and moved through the nave points on the map.
" Shut the power for the sentries only then continue on you mission. We don't want them to suspect that we have sneaked into the facility, "
said Meyers looking up at both men. " Any questions? " he asked. " No sir! " they saluted. " Good now you're dismissed, " he waved his hand.
Just as they were about to leave the Colonel called " Oh I almost forgot, take these, " he handed them palm sized objects.
Sleek and black and it has straps so that the person can wear in on the arm.
" These gentlemen are you E.V.A's or Electronically Voiced Assistant that will help you in you mission, " Meyers explained.
" Unlike normal map displayers the E.V.A is equipped with heat sensors that will scan up to a 300-metre radius.
This enables you to pinpoint the enemy's exact location hiding behind walls or in rooms. It will issue a warning when an enemy is within a 10-metre radius.
Once switched on all you have to do is speak the name of any location and E.V.A will display that map that is downloaded from the military's database computer.
Ah and it also comes with an earphone transmitter, " he continued.
" As a reminder I suggest you use stealth and caution during this mission.
We don't want the facility to be destroyed. It's not just the Pexis but human lives we are risking here for the facility is quite near populated areas.
I wish you gentlemen god speed, " Meyers saluted at them and both men saluted in return and walked out. When they are gone an intercom bleeped at the nearby desk.
" Colonel Meyers here," he answered. " Colonel we manage to block all routes leading to the facility. The enemy cannot get out save perhaps from air," said the ensign.
" Requesting orders sir, " said the ensign. " Ensign, order the troops to be on standby. Let no one get in or out save Blair and Jin, " said Meyers.
" If anything happens do not I repeat DO NOT engage the enemy, " he warned. " Yes, sir. I will see to it. " he saluted and the intercom bleeped off.
Meyers walked back to his office and prayed that both of the men he sent succeed.
~~Just outside the Tokyo Research Institute~~
Blair was assembling his sniper rifle and checking to see if everything is functional. He adjusted the zoom lens, seeing that everything was in his satisfaction
he loaded his rifle and aimed at the Red Eye troop standing guard just standing underneath the airshaft beside his comrade.
Both Blair and Jin were standing on the roof of a warehouse nearby. They were well hidden behind the metal air vents giving of acrid smoke.
Jin was keeping guard while Blair took aim. Blair focused his lens at his target, the digital numbers changed according to range when he adjusted the zoom lens.
When he saw the crosshair target is aimed between the troop's eyes he pulled the trigger. The shock from the rifle caused him to recoil and in a split second the guard was dead.
His comrade couching low whipped out his blaster scanning the rooftops. He pulled the microphone attached on his head closer to his mouth trying to call for help.
BLAM!
Blair fired the rifle the instant when the trooper opened his mouth. He scanned the area through his scope again checking for nearby patrols.
When all is clear Blair quickly signaled Jin and both of them climbed down the warehouse and ran towards the air vent. Jin took out a grappling hook gun out of his
utility belt and fired it. He tugged at the rope, when the hook caught and started to climb. Locking his legs on the rope he pried open the metal grill that
covered the vent with a sharp edged knife and crawled inside. He signaled Blair to climb up and once they are in they closed back the air vent with the grill.
Crawling through the shafts they make their way towards the storage area checking on their E.V.A.s now and then to see if they are on track.
They came before a vent that leads to the storage area and Jin carefully removed the grill covering it.
He climbed down the vent with legs dangling and dropped down into the room. He could feel that he stepped on something wet behind him.
He stared in horror as he turned to look, the whole room is nearly covered with blood and the floor is littered with badly mutilated guard bodies and few scientists.
Blair dropped beside him, " What? What are you staring at? " he asked paying little attention to his surroundings.
Blair followed his gaze, "WHAT THE HELL! " he whispered loudly grimacing at the sight. " Those BASTARDS KILLED EVERYONE! " he swore softly.
The smell of fresh blood was overpowering making them dizzy, " We gotta get out of here, " said Jin walking swiftly towards the door. " ENEMY DETECTED! " E.V.A warned.
Both men stopped and checked E.V.A's display. They could see two red dots approaching towards them.
Soon they heard voices approaching towards them. Quickly they hid behind crates that are stacked around the room with Jin on one side and Blair the other.
Soon the door hissed open and they could see two Red Eye soldiers pushing a barrel into the storage room. " This is making me sick Joe, " said the youngest of the two.
" Why do we always have to do the dirty work? " he asked. " Quit ya whining. If you haven't screwed up in the first place we wouldn't be in this mess ," said Joe.
" Mistakenly shot an officer rounding a corner, luckily ya missed but it pissed him enough and I got blamed for not watchin ya, " Joe grumbled.
" He came in suddenly so I thought he was one of the guards! " said Ken. " Ah ya always too frighten to know the difference between a rabbit and a tiger " said Joe teasingly.
" I am not! " Ken frowned. "Are too! ", " Am not! " while they quarreled Blair signaled Jin to stand his ground and motioned his hands like taking heads and banging them together.
Jin nodded staying alert while Blair sneaked quietly behind Ken and Joe.
" Almost there….don't turn around, " said Blair underneath his breath prowling with each step putting him closer to them.
Step…. step …..step…. Chink!
Blair looked down at the floor and found that he stepped on a broken bottle. When he looked up again both men were staring at him.
" Er… just dropping by for a visit, " he smiled razing his hands. Joe whipped out his blaster to shoot but Blair kicked it onto the air.
Ken pounced on him trying to knock him down. Blair grabbed his shirt in mid-air in the middle and gave a stomach throw, sending Ken across the room.
Blair was about to get up from his throwing position he was too late for he could see Joe poised above him holding a knife in his hand.
He brought the knife down. Blair protectively put his arm across his eyes to block waiting for the blow .
Instead he heard a humming sound and a yell of pain. When he looked Joe was down on the floor dead with Jin standing behind his corps holding the Kasai Blades.
" Thanks! " said Blair. " No problem, " said Jin helping him up. " What about him?" said Jin cocking his head at the unconscious Ken.
" Knocked out cold and won't trouble us long. We better tie him up in case he wakes up and call for reinforcements,". Blair found a cord in the storage room and Jin bounded him up.
Reaching into his pocket Blair took out a handkerchief and stuffed into Ken's mouth.
" There that's should do it. Now let's get outta here, " said Blair walking out of the room with Jin behind him.
As the made their way to the power room Jin's mind raced on troublesome thoughts, " I hope Maori is still alive, " thought Jin.
He shivered thinking to see Maori among the dead, he couldn't forgive himself if something happened to her. " Stop thinking nonsense! " he told himself sternly.
" She's alive and I know it, " he said to himself confidently as they walked silently keeping into the shadows making their way to the power room.
They just rounded a corner when they heard a whirring sound, " Duck! " yelled Blair as the sentry gun fired lasers above them forcing them to roll back behind the corner.
" Blast! An automated sentry, " cursed Blair leaning his back against the wall. " Hold on, E.V.A is showing us another route, " said Jin looking at the display.
Yellow arrows motioned to different waypoints on the map. " There, " he pointed down the corridor. " Are you sure? " Bryan frowned.
" Check yours if you don't believe me, " Jin shrugged." Okay let's go, " said Blair and they walked down the corridor.
E.V.A lead them before an air vent, " Well here we go again, " Blair sighted.
They climbed in and crawled through the shaft that leads them to the power room.
" I think I'm starting to like this gadget, " smiled Blair patting E.V.A. " Here is the power box, " said Jin opening it.
He pressed the button labeled sentry and the status bar lowered down to no power. " Gaaah, this is no good.
They might just switch it on again, " Blair reached into his pocket and pulled out a Swiss-army-knife.
Popping out the screwdriver he pried the button loose and cut the wire behind it.
" Now we have shut down the sentries it shouldn't be a problem finding the saboteur, " said Jin.
" Where do you think he will be? " asked Blair. "Maybe at the control room located at the Pexis research area, " Jin said pointing at E.V.A's display.
They made their way to the control room but they found blast doors locked shut blocking the way.
E.V.A managed to lead them out no matter how much dead ends they came into." I don't like this. Where is everyone?
There is not a single troop within 300-metres we encountered since our visit in the store room, " said Jin frowning at the display.
" Maybe they are playing hide and seek? " said Blair. He was also getting a little suspicious, " Is this thing broken? " he said tapping at E.V.A's display.
" We are here anyway, " said Jin elbowing Blair to look. They were stood at the entrance, Jin took a step forward and it hissed open.
" Funny it's not locked. Blasters out do you reckon? " and Blair nodded in agreement. With blasters held ready they jumped in scanning the room, nobody was inside.
" Weird, they should be troops guarding in here, " thought Jin he felt something is wrong but he just couldn't place it.
" Over there, " whispered Blair loudly pointing at the control room across the walkway above the Pexis.
They took a step towards it when suddenly the door behind boomed shut. Jin pounded at it and pressed at the switch, " It's locked, " said Jin.
" ENEMY DETECTED, " said E.V.A and several red dots appeared on the screen. " We are trapped!, " cried Jin, he could hear sounds of booted feet coming from a distance.
" Look out! " yelled Blair couching behind some monitoring equipment near the entrance as red eye troops burst through the opposite side firing lasers at them.
He managed take two down before they duck for cover.
Both men were so preoccupied in counter attacking their foes in front of them that they didn't notice a new batch of troops rushed in from the locked entrance behind them.
Jin turned and just managed to whip out his blades. He tried to slash them but he was overpowered and troops slammed him to the floor.
Blair was also having the same problem and soon both of them were restrained, their arms pinned behind their back.
" Bring them to me! " said a familiar voice that echoed through the hallway.
The guards started pushing them towards the control room. Someone stepped out of it walking across the walkway coming towards them.
" Alexis! What are you doing with them? " said Jin in surprise, " Where is Miori? " he asked looking at him in confusion .
Alexis smirked at him, " I killed her, " he stared at Jin waiting for his reaction. " YOU FREAKIN BASTARD! " yelled Jin, he struggled to choke Alexis with his bear hands.
" Arggh!" Jin cried in pain when the troops twisted his arm. " Why..? " he said in anguish. " She does not concern me.
The only thing I need from her is her life force but too bad I accidentally put her out of reach. She fell into the Pexis.
No matter, there are others who will serve the same purpose, " said Alexis coldly.
" Once I have gathered enough of these my master will grant me power, " he shrieked with laughter.
" Yes I always despise Maori. She always thwarted my position to stay at the top.
Since she was recruited at the Natural Resource Agency, she stole the position of head scientist.
The position I always wanted! " he yelled angrily. " Well-done Maori! Congratulations Maori. Paha! " he spat.
" Now she's dead I can finally get that post and something more for I have found a master who is all powerful, " his eyes gleamed lustfully.
" YOU! " Jin struggled, "AAUUGHH! " he cried as on of the troopers twisted his arm again. " I… will… kill…you, " he said wincing through the pain.
" Tsh! I know you will but you are in no position in doing so and soon you'll join her, " Alexis smirked drawing out his blaster.
" Goodbye Bryan my old friend, " pointing the blaster at his forehead. Alexis was about to pull the trigger when suddenly the Pexis flashed brilliantly.
The blue light illuminated so brightly that everyone is forced to cover their eyes or risk being blinded. " What the- " Alexis chocked in awe.
He could see Miori was floating above them with eyes blazing blue.
