Path Of The Forgotten

by Destiny's Quill

Before the existance of the GOTT, Eclair, Lumiere, and Eclipse were merely hired guns, always searching for a new job. But when they get involved with a goverment agency known as TATC, they find themselves in over their heads.

2. Chapter 1: Sunset

Path Of The Forgotten Chapter 1: Sunset

"Corescelian sunsets really are the most beautiful."

Sinking somberly towards the vast horizon, the blazing ball of fire coated the plains with rays the most vibrant shades of red and gold. The dew coated blades of grass sparkled in the brilliant light, each tiny gem making the ground glow. All the while the silver streaked sky grew steadily darker with each blissful moment. She sighed; it really was a pity that this was the place it would happen.

She leaned lethargically against the doorway into the Corescelian military compound. Several guards lay scattered at her feet, bullet wounds in each of their heads. Their armbands indicated that they were part of the elite guard that was only present when the Prime Minister of Corescelia was inside. In a strange way, she was happy that the Prime Minister was their target, yet she was surprised that such a man would be the target of the TATC (Terrorist And Terrorism Control).

TATC was, on the surface, a peaceful organization dedicated to following leads on global and intergalactic threats. Usually, they sent diplomats and or special agents to handle the situation. In special cases however, secret operatives were sent to keep the situation under control and out of the lime light. It was a ridiculous idea, the secret operatives did the jobs that TACT was actually created for, major threats could not simply be stopped by a smooth talking, sharply dressed diplomat. In effect, secret operatives were hired guns, trained professionals who TATC couldn't afford to have on the public payroll or to train themselves, it would simply be bad for business. As such, she, Éclair, Lumiere found a source of income, taking care of the dirty work TATC's people weren't trained for. Lately, their services seemed to be called upon much more often.

"Eclipse, Eclipse can you read us?"

She pulled the tiny com-link from her belt pouch. It throbbed with each word Lumiere's tiny voice uttered. She flipped the speaker on.

"Yes Lumiere, I can read you."

"We need you to clear us for landing; we need to be as discrete as possible for as long as possible."

She looked through the doorway behind her to the landing control room. Except for three bodies sitting upright in their chairs, the room was completely empty. She smiled inwardly, her precision this time was flawless.

"It's under control Lumiere," she spoke calmly into the microphone as she walked toward the control panel for landing clearance. After pressing several buttons, the clearance codes appeared on the large screen as well as the radar for airspace above the base. "Just use the code, SunsetAlpha440."

"And how do you know that will work, you told us you were outside! How would you know the codes?"

She pushed the com-link away from her face as Éclair's loud voice screeched over the airwaves. When the voice stopped she pulled the link closer and whispered agitated into it: "Well, I said I was outside, I never said where. I said you should use the North Entrance. I am at the Western Entrance in the Landing Control Room. And for your information, that is a cargo ship code but if you would like another one, I'm sure I can get it for you. I have a whole list right here."

There was radio silence for about a minute until Lumiere's calm voice took over the link again.

"Thank you Eclipse, we'll use that one. But Éclair wants to know why we have to use a code if you are operating the room."

"Well, the clearances are tapped, so it has to look legitimate. Just play along like you normally would for landing clearance. Once you land in the North Landing Bay, go to the Prime Minister's bunk in the center of the compound, four floors under. Just follow the large groups of guards. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Roger that, over and out."

The link's signal disappeared just as their vessel appeared on radar. She walked toward the switchboard and flipped on the large com-link. Waiting the protocol one minute she then initiated contact with the small craft.

"Airship, this is Military Landing Control. Identify yourself and your purpose for entering restricted airspace."

"Military Landing Control," the familiar voice came angrily over the link. "We are airship number 4938 of Corescelian Cargo. We have to deliver supplies."

"Please verify your landing code."

"SunsetAlpha440."

She paused as if to search for the code on the screen. After about 15 seconds she began to speak to the airship again.

"Corescelian Cargo ship number 4938, you are clear for landing, please proceed to the North Landing Bay for further instructions. Over and out."

She switched off the com-link and picked up the small phone lying next to switchboard. Hastily grabbing the nearby female guard's ID card, she dialed the North Landing Bay to notify them of the arrival of the cargo ship.

"North Landing Bay? Yes, this is Sergeant Carila Viscilian of Landing Control. I have just cleared a cargo airship for landing, please send as many men as you can to help unload. Over and out."

Now there was only one thing left for her to do. As she walked through the door to the main compound, she thought she heard gunshots in the distance.

"Why? Why out of all the places did she send us to the spot with the most guards?"

"We are supposed to draw as much attention as we can. Remember she still has one or two more things to take care of."

"Yeah, right. She is probably just sitting comfortably making us do all the work."

"Just keep running Éclair, I think they are catching up again."

She turned behind her to see the shadows of several men rounding the corner behind them. There was no way she wanted to fight another platoon of these stooges; it just wasn't worth her time. They were so weak; a child could have broken through their lines. Picking up her pace she headed down the nearest flight of stairs.

"Éclair, what are you doing?"

"Stairs is the fastest way to lose these idiots. Besides, we can always go straight down."

With that she hopped the railing and flew straight down the four flights of stairs toward the lowest bunker. Reaching the bottom, she continued running toward the center of the compound, with Lumiere right behind her.

"The computer says he is in his room and hasn't left since the attack. The security should be tight though, we should be careful."

"You don't need to worry about that anymore," came the voice from behind as they reached the center bunker. "The Prime Minister has already been taken care of."

Destiny's Quill- This is of course the first chapter. Some more is explained, and unfortunately, for the sake of length, there is a mini-cliffhanger, but you might be able to figure it out on your own. I want to get the second chapter up ASAP so keep on the look out. Thank you for reviewing, and please keep it coming.

Disclaimer- If I really did own Kiddy Grade, I definitely would have made the series longer.