12/13/19

I originally wasn't going to upload a Mira chapter today but I am SO BORED! I have like two dozen games over here and I don't want to play any of them. I've gone through like 6 of them for 15 minutes and just lost interest. I have so much free time and I can't use it so I'm using it to give ya'll another chapter. I was not aware how long this one was with over 5000 words but it's a super handy chapter that gave me plenty of meat to work on the rest of part 1!

I updated Bloodlust today too so now they're both up to 5 chapters haha!

Also in response to a question in one of the reviews, I'm 99% sure that in JP the White Whale is just straight up called Moby Dick. And if you think that's on the nose there are areas in NLA named after both the author (Melville Street) and the characters (Ishmael Hills / the AHAB collectible units). Funny eh? I think MGSV released sometime around here too so double the Moby Dick fun stuff courtesy of Japan!

(Noun) Two Years Before Exodus

Chapter Five

2052

"So. This is where the mighty Elma lives eh?"

Jaynix walked around Elma's personal quarters within the massive structure that made up the ECP command.

The living area was quite roomy but also sparsely decorated. Jaynix couldn't help but note how...varied the pieces on display around the living room were.

"Did you travel a lot before you came to the ECP, Elma?"

The other woman thought of how best to put it.

"Kind of."

"Kind of? This stuff is all foreign. That's Japanese pottery, those pictures are Italian. This sword on display here? I'd say...Middle Eastern? Not sure from where exactly but-"

"Hang on. How do you know all this, Jaynix?"

The Corporal laughed.

"Of course I know! Back in the Academy I studied topics from all over. All different cultures view things differently and all different cultures have different ways of fighting. I was seeking to be the best so I studied everything I could."

Elma raised an eyebrow.

"On the off chance that a Japanese, Italian and Afghani soldier would get the drop on you in a random alley at the same time?"

"I doubt that'd happen but hey if it did, I'd know exactly how to respond!"

Jaynix continued walking about, she had asked to see Elma's quarters a few days ago and despite Elma's worries she thought it only fair. Jaynix was giving her all to their relationship. Their friendship. She couldn't approach this with one hand behind her back. Especially not after being invited to and attending Jaynix's wedding.

"Ah, Lyla said she'll be coming soon. Got distracted at one of the stalls in the city."

Elma tilted her head.

"I thought Eren was the one that did the weapon and armor shopping?"

"She is, but sometimes Lyla spots something that Eren might wanna look into and gives her a heads up. Of course that leads to calling up Eren and she asks a lot of questions. Quality control y'know."

Jaynix approached a door, pointing at it she asked.

"Bedroom?"

"Yes but…"

Jaynix raised an eyebrow.

"But?"

"...not mine."

Jaynix let her hand fall from the door.

"Not yours? You don't live alone? I thought-"

"It's my brother's."

Jaynix nodded in understanding.

"Right. Well, best stay clear of that."

"Jaynix."

There was a pause as Elma took a few steps towards the Corporal.

"Why have you never asked about my brother? I brought him up to you last year. It's been months and nothing."

Jaynix sighed.

"Well, it's just...you have this look in your eyes. I don't know how to describe it but...you seem pained by something in regards to your brother. I assume it's because he passed or...I don't know...I just didn't want to pry."

"And yet you let me see your most vulnerable spot…"

Jaynix let out an empty laugh at that.

"You...are quite a conundrum, Corporal."

Jaynix nodded as Elma stepped past her and opened the door, leading her into Aeon's room.

In the Reapers base of operations, Jaynix stood in front of a punching bag. Hopping back and forth she struck, once, twice, three times. The bag buckling with each impact. Sweat dripped down Jaynix's face as she continued, with a massive wind up she let out an exhilarating yell, her strike causing the bag to sway far before coming back for her. Another yell was followed by another savage strike. Catching the bag she let out along breath before continuing.

"Of course you were here."

Jaynix recognized Tai's lazy drawl and smiled.

"Hey there Captain Hook. How are things?"

"Good. You do know we have that mission briefing soon, yeah?"

Jaynix laughed as she continued striking the bag.

"Of course I do, why do you think I'm warming up?"

"Right. Musclehead."

Jaynix stopped punching the bag and flexed her rather impressive arms.

"You know it!"

Tai chuckled.

"Something tells me that your flexing. Showing off probably. I'm glad I can't see."

"As am I, only my wife gets to see these guns."

Tai rolled his eyes.

"Of course…"

"Jaynix, Tai, there you two are."

The pair turned as Eren stepped inside, still messing with her visor as she always did.

"How did the date go?"

Tai asked as she walked up to him.

"It didn't."

"That bad?"

Jaynix stated, grabbing her water bottle.

"No I mean it didn't. I looked into her and wasn't happy with what I found."

Jaynix shook her head.

"You don't need to background check every person that asks you out, Eren."

The Strategist shrugged.

"I value my time. The time I don't spend here is time working on or improving our gear. If it's not worth it, it's not worth it."

Satisfied with her visor, she put it back in her satchel before taking out a rather sizeable and savage looking hook. She tapped it on the floor, Tai turning towards the sound.

"Heads up."

Eren threw it over, Tai catching it with ease, he turned it over in his hands, feeling it, smiling.

"She's as good as new. Thank you, Eren."

"Don't sweat it Captain Hook."

The Major sighed before walking away.

"Clean up before the briefing please Jaynix."

"I could say the same to you!"

Tai laughed as he left the room, Jaynix turning to strike the bag once more. Satisfied she grabbed her towel and looked to Eren.

"Like what you see, Strategist?"

Eren sighed.

"Jaynix."

"I'm just teasing, you know me Eren. Happily spoken for."

"I know…"

Jaynix crossed her arms.

"The date not going through really bothered you didn't it."

"I don't know. I haven't been out with another woman in so long I'm not even sure what I'd do if I did land one…"

Jaynix approached, placing a hand on Eren's shoulder.

"It'll all work out Eren. You're brilliant. There is definitely someone out there for you."

There was a small smile on Eren's face.

"Sure. Thanks, I-"

Loud beeping cut in, coming from Jaynix's bag and Eren's wrist communicator.

"This is General Kumon, Reapers prepare for immediate briefing on a crucial mission."

Jaynix and Eren nodded, the latter taking off while Jaynix retrieved her things and followed.

"Your brother's name is Aeon? Is he younger or older than you?"

Elma watched as Jaynix examined the room before answering.

"Younger by...five years."

Jaynix nodded, coming to a stop at a shelf with various knickknacks lining it.

"That's not too different from Flame and I...how was it? Having a little brother?"

Elma laughed.

"It was interesting. He was always very inquisitive but also very foolhardy. If there was something he could learn through a direct test, then he'd try it out. Safety and precautions weren't high on his list of priorities."

Jaynix chuckled as she examined a bottle filled with sand and shells.

"Flame and I always knew our limits. We never got hurt playing together...I always slowed down for her, not out of some sort of pity but...I just had more fun when I could see her. Smiling. Laughing."

Elma waited as Jaynix turned to face her.

"Where you like that with your brother?"

"...not exactly...our relationship as siblings is as different as night and day from yours but we did love each other. As you can see he liked to collect things. No matter what they were. If it looked interesting, he wanted it."

Jaynix continued looking at the collection.

"You and he really like souvenirs...you both must be really well traveled and don't deny it."

"...I won't."

Jaynix examined a model figure of a Skell, Elma's eyes widened. She did not know that Aeon kept that. It was a model of one of the original prototype Skells, it was presented to the Coalition long before any production on Skells began.

"Huh. This is interesting…"

"Jay-"

"I've never seen a Skell like this before...it sort of reminds me of the Formula...slightly. But…"

Jaynix tilted her head, confused the longer she stared at it.

"...is this a prototype?"

"I...he-"

"Where did? IS THAT A CAT?"

Elma jumped in shock as Jaynix sped past her faster than ever before. The Colonel turned to find Jaynix on her knees cooing over a small tabby cat.

"ELMA YOU HAVE A CAT!?"

The woman couldn't help but smile at the pure joy in Jaynix's face as she pet the cat. The furry creature seemed more confused about the one eyed giant than anything else.

"I'd be a little careful Jaynix. She can get really testy. Short temper."

Jaynix laughed.

"How relatable."

Standing the Corporal watched as the cat approached Elma and began to meow very loudly.

"She's hungry. Let's go get her some food."

As the pair left the room, the cat leading to her bowl, there was a knock at the door and Lyla's voice came over.

Jaynix opened it moments later, embracing her wife and asking how her day was as Elma poured food into a bowl and placed it in front of her cat.

Turning she watched Jaynix and Lyla, their expressions. How at peace they were.

It gave her a distinct feeling.

"Reapers! Form up! Time marches on, there is not a second to waste!"

General Kumon stood with his hands behind his back as the Reapers lined up in front of him.

"As you heard we have an immediate and crucial mission tonight. For those paying attention to updates on the Sectors, there have been some rumors underground of an impending gas attack. Our contacts have been looking into it as best they can but no one has been able to pinpoint the exact device that will be used in the attack, nor the gas which leads most of them to believe its newly manufactured."

Major Alistair shook his head.

"That's definitely bad."

Eren laughed.

"That's putting it lightly, if it's a brand new substance then there is no way of knowing if any of our gas masks, respirators or other protective devices will keep us safe if the weapon goes off."

Kumon nodded.

"That is why our primary directive is to track down the terrorist cells, wipe them out, and secure the weapon."

Jaynix spoke up.

"Is it too much to hope that the Green Fog is behind this? Gas attacks are kind of their M.O. and we've been keeping eyes on them since the last time we raided their base, right?"

Kumon brought up a map of the local Lawless Sectors on the display before the team.

"Indeed, we know the Green Fog or what's left of them is stationed here. Their manpower is too small to pull of any noteworthy attack on any Coalition outpost and other divisions have already dispatched to clean up. Our focus is on the bigger cells closer to the walls of Noah's Cradle."

The team watched as he highlighted two different cells.

"The first is the General's Hand, ex-military who abandoned their posts."

The Blood Brothers let out a stream of expletives at that statement.

"We may have been good for nothing mercs, but we didn't abandon our cause. Can we head for them first?"

"All in due time Sagis. Next we have Mass Destruction, a cell that specializes in explosives. They've attempted to destroy several watchtowers before so with all the intel gathered we believe they're behind the imminent attack. That's where we'll be heading first. Understood?"

The Reapers saluted and responded in kind.

"Everyone make sure you are prepared and mount the Reaper Gear, we have five minutes, go!"

With that the soldiers broke apart and began their preparations.

"Aegis? Interesting name for a cat."

Lyla was now petting the animal as it ate.

Elma looked to Jaynix.

"It...I suppose it is…"

"Is there a long story behind you choosing that name?"

Elma returned her gaze to Lyla and Aegis. She was once again lost in thought. Jaynix let her question go and called Lyla back.

"Thanks for letting us see your humble abode, Elma."

"It's no problem at all. I've...never actually had friends over."

Jaynix seemed surprised at that.

"Really?"

"Well I...don't have many friends. I do greatly enjoy the company you two provide. Beyond that my other...friends are the higher ups in the Coalition. Some of them I get on well enough with."

"You have got to be kidding me!"

Jaynix shook her head as Lyla spoke up.

"I can't see why more people wouldn't want to be your friend Elma, you're a lovely person."

"Thank you Lyla...maybe they see me as...distant...I tend to come off that way, at least that's what Nagi tells me sometimes."

"He have any comment on you making friends with us?"

Elma looked up to Jaynix and thought.

"Well, the first time I mentioned it is when I requested time off to attend your wedding. He was surprised and happy. He knows of you both, of the Reapers. He and General Kumon were old acquaintances."

Jaynix leaned back in her seat.

"Were they? I'm gonna have to drill Kumon about that when we get back."

"Are you leaving now?"

Elma asked, Lyla and Jaynix exchanged a look with the former speaking.

"We do have missions later tonight…"

"...but we can't leave ya hanging Elma! You cook?"

Jaynix finished, the Colonel smiled.

"Not especially...do you?"

Lyla gave Elma a look that told her to get ready. She wasn't. Jaynix's eyes shone as she shot to her feet.

"Do I!? Watch this!"

Elma could say nothing else as Jaynix sped past her to the kitchen and began her work.

"Don't worry Elma, Jaynix is in charge of cooking at home and she's very good at not making a mess. She cares for all her tools be they her longsword or a frying pan."

Elma laughed.

"That sounds like her...well then, I suppose I'm in for a treat."

"You are...though I'm surprised this hasn't come up between the two of you."

Elma sighed.

"That's usually how it goes. I'm so involved with the ECP and everything going on, when Jaynix and I catch up we don't get to have those kinds of talks. And well, I've never let her see my place till now..."

Lyla tilted her head.

"What changed?"

Elma thought for a moment, casting a quick look back at Jaynix before turning to Lyla, smiling.

"I suppose...I did."

The wasteland that was the Lawless Sectors seemed relatively peaceful at night. But everyone knew that those who populated the area were always planning something. Infighting was rampant at night but on this night the Reaper Gear stormed across the wastes.

The Reapers' heavily armored transport attained its name after a short debate, Tai didn't see the point in naming it but was quickly outvoted. It was their most stalwart ally in their endless battle against the lawless.

Tai was at the wheel with Eren at his side watching the map on her datapad. In the back was the rest of the Reapers: Kumon, Sagis, Alto, Jaynix and Lyla.

"I don't know what these guys hope to accomplish by disturbing the Coalition. All that's gonna do is get us all killed. What then?"

Alto stated to which Sagis could only shrug.

"It doesn't make a lick of sense. Then again, not much does these days like hey, General, what was the point of us getting those Skell certifications if we can't even use em eh?"

"We can accomplish our tasks in the Lawless Sectors without them Sagis. We have for this long."

Kumon stated bluntly before Lyla spoke up.

"And besides, there is always the risk that the people out here would try to replicate their own. Unregistered Skells? Yeah I'm pretty sure that is the last thing we want."

Sagis sighed.

"Still, sure would make all these jobs quicker."

"If you yourself picked up the pace, the jobs would get done faster. Maybe you and Alto should skip your next few drinking sessions."

Sagis and Alto laughed at Jaynix's statement, the latter speaking.

"Not happening, would rather the dulled senses than have to feel everything that's about to happen."

Jaynix rolled her eye as the Reaper Gear skid to a halt, Eren announcing they were here and Tai calling for them all to exit the vehicle.

"Normally this would be the point where we drive straight through the front door and massacre everyone. But we don't know if the weapon is here so we need to do some recon, Major, Agent, that's your specialty. Get going. Now."

The two saluted and took off.

"Blood Brothers take the west end, Corporal with me on the east and Strategist, find an overwatch point and tell us what you see. Keep an eye on the perimeter beyond our scope."

Putting her visor on, Eren nodded.

"I'm all over it."

Quickly the group split apart and vanished into the darkness.

Tai and Lyla arrived at the walls of the compound unseen, the patrols were light. Lyla kept watch as Tai climbed the wall and got onto the roof.

"This doesn't make sense. If Mass Destruction is planning some grand attack why are they this lax on security? It doesn't add up. Strategist, eyes?"

It was a few moments before she came up on comms.

"What you see is what you get, I'm not getting anything on my sensors and I just launched my drone overhead. I'm gonna need your eyepieces to map the inside so get to it."

Nodding, Lyla followed Tai up onto the roof, the man moved towards a window as she found a roof hatch, sliding it open slowly she let herself in, finding footing on the buildings rafters.

Looking down she watched as her eyepiece scanned the walls and individuals below her, all the data being transmitted to Eren.

"I don't see anything that looks like a weapon. Do we know if there is an underground chamber?"

Tai found his way to the ground as Eren used the data to search the floor for any openings.

"There does seem to be a hatch across from Tai. But based on the geography outside there isn't really a basement...could just be where they store explosives."

General Kumon came on after that.

"Agent, Major, Strategist, Corporal, you all keep watch on Mass Destruction. Blood Brothers, with me. We're going to take the Reaper Gear to the General's Hand. Remember to all stay unseen until we can verify if the other cell has it. If neither does we'll take them both out as we always do."

Everyone gave their affirmations and began moving.

Outside on her perch, an old broken streetlight, Strategist continued surveying the area. Nothing tonight made sense, if there was an imminent attack brewing surely there would be more activity than this. As her survey continued, one of her sensors picked something else up.

Looking to her side she noted a figure walking away. One heat signature, no others in sight.

"A lone patrol? Hmm. Major, Agent, Corporal, can you three handle this?"

"All over it, what do you see out there?"

Jaynix asked.

"Not sure yet, I'll let you know."

Leaping from streetlight to streetlight, Eren got closer and closer to the figure, turning off her visor she jumped from the lights to a roof near the person.

With her own eyes she looked at them. It was a woman in a white lab coat, not a stain to be seen. Walking with her head held high.

"Who are you?"

The woman came to a stop and began examining her surroundings. Quickly Eren leapt from the roof as the stranger's eyes scanned where she once was.

"Who's there? If you're seeking a new deal with the Black Merchant, this isn't the way to do it."

Hearing a click, the woman turned to face someone new.

"Well, what do we have here."

"I'm asking the questions."

Eren held her pistol up, aimed squarely on the woman. Now that she was up close she could see two different colored eyes. One green, one blue. Eren also couldn't help but notice that she was beautiful.

"Wait, what?"

Shaking her head she spoke.

"Answer me. Who are you?"

The other woman scoffed.

"It seems there has been some sort of misunderstanding."

"Doubtful. We're here to stop an attack. So far, everything tonight has been par for the course except for you. You're the oddity."

The other woman began clapping.

"Amazing skills of deduction. It's too much, please stop, I'm swooning."

Eren's eyes twitched.

"I'm not here to play games! Who are you!"

The woman brought her wrist up, looking at her watch.

"You should tell your team to vacate the premises. Now."

Eren was about to ask why when the stranger started counting backwards from twenty.

"Reapers! Fall back! Immediately! Code Red!"

As soon as the call was made, the others cleared out of the terrorist hideouts and ran for cover.

"What are you-"

Then there was an explosion, Eren turned around to see a plume of smoke shoot out from the distance. It began to spread over the area rather quickly.

She found herself being grabbed and pulled back, before she could call out or struggle she felt a needle in her neck.

Just as quickly it was gone.

"What did you do to me?"

The smoke, the gas then swept past her, quickly she covered her mouth and reached for her respirator as the stranger shook her head.

"No need. You're welcome."

With that she continued walking away, stopping only to say.

"Fowler. I look forward to running into you again."

Eren kept her breath held as she put on her respirator, the woman, Fowler, blew a kiss in Eren's direction before disappearing into the gas.

The Reapers all met up away from the gas attack, none of them sure exactly why it happened the way it did. As close as these cells were to the wall, the attack had no effect if it was on this side. It was pointless.

"Anyone hear from Strategist?"

Jaynix called out. The group shook their heads and began checking their comms but found all they could hear was static.

Alto rolled his eyes.

"Of course."

As they watched the gas continue to hang in place, Kumon tapped away on a device attached to his wrist. In response the Reaper Gear drove itself to them.

"Get in everyone, we'll hole up until Strategist shows up and maybe do some on the field analysis of this gas. See what we're dealing with."

As they loaded up Tai turned and laughed.

"We won't have to wait long. Eren! Over here!"

Emerging from the darkness, she saw her team loading up.

"Leaving me behind already?"

"Perish the thought!"

Sagis yelled.

Once all the Reapers were in, the vehicle took off back to their base.

"A woman? Fowler?"

"That's what she said her name was. Though she asked if I was looking for the Black Merchant."

Kumon brought a hand to his chin.

"The Black Merchant. If she's one of ours I can try talking to our people in the Coalition and see what she's out here for."

Tai tilted his head.

"I don't know. A mysterious merchant scientist-looking lady? Sounds to me like all the makings of a top dog arms dealer."

He looked to Jaynix and Lyla.

"What do you guys think?"

"Idle speculation isn't going to help anything. Regardless of who supplied the weapon or who was going to use it to do what, it seems to have gone off prematurely."

Lyla agreed with Jaynix before adding.

"We'll have to wait till the gas clears up before we investigate what it left behind. See exactly what it is we're dealing with here."

As the group watched the scanners reading and identifying the gaseous substance, Eren's thoughts were filled with that woman. Fowler.

"Hey Eren, you're being awfully quiet. Anything else about the woman stand out to you"

Eren snapped out of her thoughts, looking to Tai. Her silence must have gone on too long because Tai sighed.

"Nothing?"

Finally Eren shook her head and responded.

"No...nothing else…"

Returning to her thoughts, Eren let out a long sigh. Jaynix spoke up again.

"Actually, General. If it's not too much trouble I can go pay Elma a quick visit. See if she knows anything about this mystery lady."

Kumon thought for a while before nodding.

"The more information we have. The better."

He then left the room, no doubt to make some calls to the Coalition. Jaynix leaned over and gave Lyla a kiss before heading for the exit, Eren following her.

"Mind if I tag along?"

"Why not?"

"Oh my goodness, Jaynix this is delicious!"

Jaynix crossed her arms, a giant, proud and goofy grin on her face as Elma ate.

"Was there ever any doubt?"

Lyla laughed.

"Alright Jaynix, please don't let the Colonel's compliments go to your head."

Jaynix kissed the top of her wife's head before sitting down.

"Look at Elma! She can't keep the smile off her face! I doubt there are many people in the ECP who can claim to have brought Colonel Elma to such bliss!"

Lyla continued to laugh as Elma grabbed a napkin and cleaned her face.

"Please don't say things like that aloud Jaynix, people may get the wrong idea."

Jaynix tilted her head before laughing.

"I didn't mean it that way Elma. Unless-"

"No. Whatever you are about to ask I guarantee you, the answer is no."

Jaynix broke out in loud joyous laughter. Lyla looked to her wrist upon hearing a beep.

"As much fun as this is, it seems we have to go."

Jaynix looked to the clock on the wall.

"Yeah true...I gotta get a bit of punching in before the job."

Elma nodded.

"Always ready for a fight."

"Always!"

The three stood up, Elma leading them to the door.

"I wish you both the best of luck but I know you don't need it."

Jaynix smirked, Lyla speaking.

"We appreciate it, Elma. Truly."

The pair left, Elma watching them go until they were out of sight. Slowly she closed the door before feeling Aegis brush up against her leg.

Her eyes moved to Aeon's room.

Aegis let out a low sound, at that moment Elma realized something wet on her cheeks and brushed it away.

There would never be an appropriate time for that. Never.

"Yo! Elma!"

Turning from a group of engineers, Elma smiled.

"Jaynix! And Eren. What brings you here?"

Looking to the engineers, Jaynix chuckled.

"Are we interrupting something."

"No, just getting a report on the L-002's status and the Habitat Unit."

She turned to the engineers and thanked them again, most left save for one.

"Excuse me but aren't you...the Reapers?"

Jaynix smiled proudly and brought a fist to her chest.

"In the flesh! I'm Corporal Jaynix Copeland!"

"And I'm the Strategist, Eren Hills."

The pair shook hands with the engineer.

"Wow, it really is you...sorry I just...it's unexpected. I hear so much about what you do and...thank you. For your service. For everything!"

Jaynix waved off the compliment.

"No biggie. More importantly, who are you?"

The man was surprised at that, before chuckling.

"Right of course, I'm a little overwhelmed...my name is Kruse. Kruse Voliff. I'm with one of the engineering teams working on the Habitat Unit. Designation Alpha Wolf."

Jaynix chuckled.

"No need to be so formal Kruse, I'm not here on business."

"Of course it's just...its been a day. I don't usually interact with a lot of people of your...stature."

Eren shook her head.

"Please Kruse, don't add more to Jaynix's ego, it's the last thing we need."

The man laughed lightly as Jaynix rolled her eyes. Elma addressed the engineer.

"Thank you once again for the report Kruse, I shouldn't keep you from your work."

"It was no trouble at all, Colonel. If you need anything else, I'm always available."

Elma thanked him again as he bowed his head towards the group.

"If you'll excuse me."

With that he turned and walked away, picking up the pace to join his comrades. Jaynix watched him go as Eren stepped closer to Elma.

"We're actually here looking for a bit of information on someone we met out in the Lawless Sectors. If you could help us get the intel we need, that'd be great."

Elma crossed her arms.

"Someone in the Lawless Sectors?"

"Kumon believes they may be employed by the Coalition as a mole of some sort. We're not sure so we're tackling this from every angle. Kumon is speaking with the Coalition directly and Jaynix suggested coming to you."

Elma nodded and gestured for them to follow.

"Well then, who am I to turn down a request from a friend?"

Jaynix smiled at that.

"See, Eren? Told you we were besties."

At that, the Strategist rolled her eyes.

In a secure room, Elma entered her credentials and began browsing the ECP and Coalition personnel files looking for anything on a woman named Fowler.

Jaynix saw a tentative expression form on Elma's face. She found the information they were looking for but it didn't seem like sharing it was something she was allowed to do.

Eren echoed these thoughts aloud.

"You would be right. It's very secure and reading through it I understand. The finer details are kept even from me."

Jaynix raised an eyebrow.

"From you?"

"My purpose is more tied to the ECP and Project Exodus as opposed to the Coalition and their military operations in the Lawless Sectors. It's a jurisdiction thing y'know how it is."

Jaynix sighed.

"Anything you can tell us."

Elma looked back at the file.

"Well according to this, a woman named Kriss Fowler is a member of a highly classified weapons development group called LAST. They specialize in experimental and groundbreaking technology. A lot of theoreticals as well. It seems some sort of deal was reached between LAST and the Coalition. The particulars are out of my reach but I can assume that the deal allows Fowler to explore the Lawless Sectors on her own...I'm not sure what kind of deal that is given how dangerous it is for anyone to be out there alone but it's all verified and official…"

Eren shook her head, it didn't make any sense to her.

"I'm going to follow up on this and see what deal they actually have in place. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Jaynix. Eren."

Exchanging nods, the three women left the office.

"I have a lot of work to get back to, but feel free to stop by whenever, Jaynix."

"Of course, bestie!"

Elma laughed as she walked away.

"Well then Eren, seems Kumon was right. This Kriss chick is on our side...sort of. I guess."

Eren brought a hand to her chin.

"I know that look!"

"Huh?"

"Wow, only one meeting and you are smitten."

"Jaynix! Get your head out of the gutter, you know full well that I'm not you!"

The Corporal laughed.

"Seriously Eren, I say this because I love you, you need to get laid. You are WAY to wound up."

Eren sputtered a response, nothing formed so she stomped off, Jaynix following close behind.

In the wake of the gas attack, Kriss stood among the ruined bodies, grotesquely misshapen by the diabolical creation she and her allies conjured up.

Reaching into her pocket she pulled out her data pad, the gas attack order was complete. She couldn't wait to see what was next. And nothing happened.

Odd. Everytime LAST closed a contract they were given another immediately. It was part of the deal to keep them stimulated, occupied and doing what they do best.

Bringing the device up she decided to call directly.

"This is Professor Fowler with LAST we-"

"I'm sorry but the designation is not recognized. Our contract is complete."

Whoever that was hung up on her, trying again she found her calls no longer going through. Narrowing her eyes, she began calculating.

Not liking any result she hurried away calling up her comrades in LAST.

"We have a problem."