01/19/20
Hey all. I forgot to mention this last chapter, but the lie I told in my video was about Lao. I said "I'm no using him" and then I used him XD We all know my history with him...but because he's the way he is I felt he'd do much better in an antagonistic role and I wasn't about to change Mathias Solomon into being the leader of the group. No name would've earned any sort of valid reaction aside from Lao...so he wormed his way into the story. Nice.
The flashback chapters are much longer than the present day chapters eh? But I'm glad for it, the character and bond building is crucial to part 2. I don't have much else to say beyond I've slowed my pace a lot more than I'd like. I've written scattered pieces of chapters 12, 13 and 14 but well, yeah. Trust me when I say I'm dedicated to writing more! I have so much planned and I want to get to it all :D
(Verb) Return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength.
Chapter Eleven
Recover
"Mom. Dad."
Sonja and Maxwell turned as Jaynix, 12 years old, approached them. They could see immediately that she was troubled by something.
"What is it, dear?"
Maxwell asked, gesturing to a space on the couch next to him. As she sat down, he made note that there were no bruises or cuts on her, so he was able to cross off it having anything to do with a fight.
Jaynix looked at her parents.
"There was...this girl at school…"
"Girl? Is she a friend?"
Jaynix nodded at Sonja's question.
"Yeah...we're good friends. I like her...but…"
Maxwell tilted his head.
"Did she do something bad?"
"No."
Jaynix seemed unsure how to say it.
"I...like...looking at her…"
Maxwell seemed surprised by this. He turned to Sonja who gave him a simple glance before leaning towards Jaynix.
"Is that bad?"
"I don't know. It's weird...I think…"
Sonja smiled before thinking back.
"Jaynix, do you remember that boy?"
"Which boy?"
Maxwell snapped his fingers.
"Right! Last year. I believe his name was Mark."
She nodded.
"Oh, yeah. Mark. I liked him a lot…"
Sonja stood up and sat on the other side of the couch so Jaynix was now surrounded by both parents.
"You wanted to give him a gift and you wanted him to like you too, right?"
"Yeah...what does that have to do with this?"
"Well. Is that how you feel about this girl?"
Jaynix kept her eyes on her mom and thought about it as best she could.
"...yeah...I think so. If she liked me too...I'd be happy."
"Just like with Mark?"
Maxwell asked to which Jaynix nodded again.
"So. What does this mean?"
Sonja kissed the top of Jaynix's head.
"It just means you have a crush on this girl."
Sonja watched as realization dawned in Jaynix's eyes. Maxwell chuckled.
"I guess I have to chase off boys and girls from our daughter, don't I?"
"You will not!"
Sonja stated with a laugh. Maxwell joined her in laughing as Jaynix thought this over again.
"So...I like her...just like Mark. That's okay?"
Sonja placed a hand on Jaynix's cheek and nodded.
"Of course it is Jaynix. That's who you are."
Jaynix found herself limping without end, no destination in mind. The pain from her many injuries after the battle against the Lawless had faded away and now her body just felt numb.
The streets of Noah's Cradle around her were bare, no doubt on order from the Coalition following the brazen attack on the ECP apartment complex. Reaching out with her uninjured hand she propped herself against the exterior of a home. Lying back against it she slid to the floor and let out a long breath.
Minutes passed before she pulled out her datapad and made the call.
"Jaynix? Jaynix is that you? Where are you?"
There was silence as Jaynix took a deep breath and eased herself as best as she could.
"Lyla."
She let out an empty laugh.
"It happened...I let it out…"
She saw the men she ripped apart again, she felt the sprays of blood against her skin. A faint smile formed on her lips.
"It felt...good."
"Jaynix."
"Talk to me Lyla...please."
Shaking her head, she continued.
"I don't want to feel like this…"
She fell silent as Lyla began. Her wife told her of the Reapers' training sessions with Steven Harper, of the new formations and strategies Eren was forming to incorporate the Archer and make up for Jaynix's absence.
"...maybe that's enough about work…"
"I just want to hear your voice. Anything is fine."
"...you know that cookbook Tai gave us for our wedding?"
Jaynix chuckled.
"Yeah. We really should use that one more often..."
"...I'm going to do that when I get home. Just...prepare whatever sounds good. For you."
Jaynix felt her heart skip a beat.
"I would love that…"
"I know...it'll be ready for you...you'll always have a place with us, Jaynix. With me."
Jaynix nodded.
"Now Jaynix...can you do something for me?"
"Anything. Lyla."
"Turn on your tracker. Please."
Jaynix opened another screen on her datapad, and after a few commands she heard Lyla breathe a sigh of relief.
"Help will be right there, Jaynix. Hang on."
"Stay with me Lyla."
"Of course. Anything for you."
Closing her eyes, Jaynix focused on Lyla's voice as she continued to speak. Listing off several of the recipes she remembered they'd prepared as well as others she was hoping to find in the cookbook. She then thought about the current state of their pantry and tossed around the idea of going shopping.
The chat was uneventful and unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but it did wonders for Jaynix. Whenever she needed that reassurance, peace of mind, Lyla was there.
It was a few more minutes before she heard sirens approaching.
"I love you Lyla...so much…"
"I love you too, Jaynix."
Tires screeched as the vehicles came to a halt, doors opened, men and women spoke to one another, one voice spoke Jaynix's name.
Lyla came on one more time.
"Rest Jaynix. Everything will be fine when you wake up. Rest."
With a faint nod, Jaynix closed her eyes and fell limp. The doctors reached her then and lifted her onto a stretcher.
Kruse and Harriet were still in the ECP's cafeteria, discussing what they could do to get Harriet into her true dream job.
"Your thesis?"
"Yeah. That's what's holding me up. I have it written and submitted but you know how crazy things can get. I imagine its not unlike the L-002 construction...except worse."
"Worse. Yikes."
Harriet chuckled.
"Those in charge just don't have the time they wish they did...or I wish they did...I put my heart and soul into that thesis and while yeah I can get by working as a basic medical professional I want more."
Kruse smiled.
"Nothing wrong with that. Let's see…"
As Kruse tapped his chin, Harriet's datapad went off. Retrieving it she raised an eyebrow. At the same time several other doctors and physicians in the cafeteria stood up and began heading for the exit.
"What's going on?"
"It seems there was an attack on the ECP staff's apartment complex. Several explosions have been reported as well as Skell engagement."
Shock passed through Kruse. He just realized neither Jaynix or Elma had reached out to him since they split up. He assumed the plan was still in motion but what if-
"Was anyone hurt?"
"First responders are reporting over a dozen corpses and…"
"And?"
Harriet looked up at him.
"The Colonel. Elma. She's sustained several injuries, one of which is very serious. She's being rushed here to be treated as we speak..."
Kruse shook his head.
"Rushed here? Where!?"
From the moment the first team showed up to retrieve her until now, lying in a bed within the ECP's Mimeosome branch, Elma could barely remember anything of what happened.
The last image in her mind was of Jaynix with that haunted expression on her face. Elma wanted to follow her but the damage sustained from Lao's shot was far greater than she anticipated.
Taking a deep breath, Elma tried to sit up but found herself unable to as several of the ECP doctors including Doctor Iris Falkan spoke to her, their voices still unclear but there was a hand on her shoulder, easing her back onto the bed.
Doctor Falkan leaned in.
"We'll have you up and about in no time, Elma. Just wait...rest."
As much as Elma wanted answers, there would be no point if she couldn't even stand up. With a small nod, she closed her eyes.
Kumon exited the Reaper Gear, slamming the door shut and began approaching Nagi, Lyla was following right behind. Nagi had personally led the emergency response team through what was once a battlefield. Currently he was staring off to the side where Elma's Ares stood tall and unmoving. Without orders it went into standby.
Not too far from the Skell were three disabled trucks, no doubt the ones that the Lawless used.
In addition there were a dozen corpses all over the exterior field. The team was picking them up one by one and moving them over to a lineup. Kumon watched as one moved past him, the face covered.
Holding his hand out, the General stopped the two men transporting the corpse.
"Sir it's not-"
"I know."
Stepping forward he removed the corpse's face cover to find no face and a shattered skull. Lyla stepped forward as well, her eyes moving from the remains to Kumon who had an expression on his face she hadn't seen much of.
Putting the cover back on he allowed the men to continue, letting out a long breath he turned as Nagi joined them.
"There are four more inside the building, the ones we can confirm that Elma killed. All the windows on that floor as well as several above and below were shattered by her Ares' sonic attack."
"Then that means the twelve out here were most likely killed by Corporal Jaynix."
Nagi looked out over the bodies then back to Kumon.
"Elma and Jaynix were the only ones here. So yes. That is the going theory...at least until the autopsies are completed."
The three walked over to the lineup of corpses, Lyla looked towards the building seeing more of the responders returning to the scene with more corpses in tow.
Looking down on the remains, it was easy to see that a good many of them were in pieces, Nagi pointed to one with a massive gash in his neck.
"We found him with Jaynix's blade sticking through his neck. Pulling the sword out also removed quite a bit of his throat...all the entrails are still being picked up. One man was shot in the gut about a dozen or so times and another had his lower body ripped open."
Kumon nodded slowly.
"So their intestines spilled out…"
"It's a mess, General. While the team is on edge about the brutality...I don't think anyone will speak up about. Now that it's known who these men are...they'll accept this."
Kumon couldn't help but laugh.
"Mankind will always accept horrible things if it happens to the right people…"
"Sir."
With a heavy sigh, Kumon looked to Lyla and nodded.
"I know, I know...anything else?"
Nagi remained silent before gesturing to Elma's Ares.
"We need Jaynix's privileges to see the Ares' visual data from the attack. It seems Elma passed on rights to Jaynix after being disabled."
Kumon narrowed his eyes.
"Disabled?"
"Yes. Elma sustained damage from an anti-material round. It cut through her Mimeosome with ease...her body leaked most of its protoplasm before we got here. She was barely conscious but she told us all we needed to know…"
Nagi looked to Kumon.
"Lao was here."
"A warm welcome to all of you future officers. As I'm sure you all know you stand now within the heart of humanity's future, Noah's Cradle and within the most renowned center for the most dedicated of protectors, Rhadamanthus Academy. Here, you all shall grow to become the swords of the Coalition and the defenders of all mankind. We are going to help you do that. We are going to push you all well beyond your limits and we expect you all to surpass even your own highest expectations because this is what it will take to see us through the trials that await us. I know in my heart of hearts that you will not let us down. The year is 2038. This is the start of your story."
Nagi brought his hand up to salute the new officers. Among the crowd, easily picked out by her flaming red hair was Jaynix, 18 years old.
Her heart was pounding, just like when she received the letter that she was accepted into the Academy. Only now, it was official. Kentaro Nagi himself had just sworn them all in and from this day forward her path to becoming a protector was more real than ever.
The group was given their squad assignments as well as their housing facilities within the academy before being dismissed and told to prepare, tomorrow the work began.
As Jaynix stepped away from the courtyard she heard a voice call out to her and turned to see Flame running towards her.
Stretching her arms out, Jaynix caught Flame and spun her around. The sisters laughed as Sonja and Maxwell approached.
"I'm so happy for you JayJay!"
With a smile, Jaynix nodded.
"And I know that you'll be here soon enough! No doubt in my mind."
The pair shared a hug, their parents joining in upon reaching them.
"You two are going to leave your marks...I can see it."
Maxwell stated, Sonja nodding.
"I look forward to watching you both grow and become what it is you want to be…"
Jaynix smirked.
"You won't have to wait long. I plan on standing out all through my first year. The name Jaynix Copeland will be spoken all over these halls!"
Maxwell crossed his arms.
"Oh? You think everyone is going to be that impressed by how sloppy you eat?"
Jaynix blushed.
"Dad!"
"For a military woman, you aren't the most organized either…"
Sonja stated with a hand on her chin, Jaynix moving her gaze from one parent to the other.
"Mom!"
"I think you're cool. Always have."
Flame said, embarrassment fading, Jaynix wore a proud smile as she looked to Flame.
"Well, so have I."
Jaynix gave Flame a thumbs up before looking at her parents.
"Seriously, who needs either of you when I have her?"
Sonja and Maxwell laughed, Flame and Jaynix joining in. Taking the map from Jaynix's hands, Flame opened it up and searched for Jaynix's assigned housing.
"Found it?"
With a nod, Flame began moving with the rest of the family falling into step behind her.
"Think we'll get roomed together Flame?"
The younger girl shook her head.
"I don't think they allow that."
"True...but still, when you get here and start making a name for yourself, that's when all you'll be able to hear is the name Copeland."
Flame smiled.
"We are all pretty great, aren't we?"
The four continued on their way, chatting, happier than ever.
Back near the podium stood Nagi, another man approaching him from behind. With a satisfied sigh, Nagi turned around.
"Kumon."
"Nagi. That was a fine speech."
The older man chuckled.
"I tried my best. Inspiring our youths to stand tall in spite of everything. It's the least I could do..."
Kumon shook his head, placing a hand on Nagi's shoulder.
"Nonsense. You offer plenty, Nagi."
Nagi laughed at that.
"Maybe. I guess it's just me getting old that has me more uncertain."
"You'll live to be a hundred, Nagi, we all know that."
"Hah! We'll see."
The pair began moving away as another man approached them.
"Sirs!"
The pair came face to face with Steven.
"Mr. Harper, what brings you here?"
Nagi asked, the other man bowed his head.
"I don't mean to interrupt, Kumon's presence has been asked for."
Kumon smiled.
"Ah! I almost forgot. The Devoted!"
"How could you forget that Kumon?"
The man laughed.
"Swearing in new officers and advancing the Devoted into full service on the same day. We've been busy around here."
Nagi shook his head.
"Looks like you're the one getting old."
Kumon chuckled before following Steven, Nagi wishing them well.
The Devoted was the name given to a group of rising stars within the Coalition's forces. They had aced every exam, every exercise and even taken early missions into the Uncontrolled Districts outside the walls of Noah's Cradle.
Within the Academy grounds there was a large field used for training exercises and sparring, it was here that the Devoted gathered.
Standing at the front of the group, Kumon greeted the soldiers. The proud men and women moving to service the Coalition and shepherd humanity as a new age dawned for them all.
"From this day forward, we honor you all, the Devoted and welcome you to your new posts within our forces. It was a unanimous decision to keep you all together, forming a group that has a chance to become our greatest asset. Together you are the 2nd Soldier Unit. May you preserve our peace for as long as you are able."
Kumon bowed his head to the soldiers before him, they bowed in return.
The future was bright.
Waking again, Elma groaned as she sat up. Bringing a hand to her head, she looked around the room. In the corner she saw a pod, no doubt she had been placed there to recover at some point, but for how long?
Looking to her side she then noticed a new set of armor for her, undamaged and clean of the protoplasmic stains that had covered her previous set. Looking down to herself she noted that she was in a very simple white shirt and black shorts.
Lifting up her shirt she examined the spot where she had been shot to find some scarring on the artificial skin.
Then it happened, an almost foreign emotion began to fill her. Hate.
The door to her room opened, Doctor Iris Falkan walking in with a smile.
"Colonel. Just on schedule. How are you feeling?"
"Where is he?"
The doctor cleared her throat.
"Let's save that talk until after you get out of here."
Elma closed her eyes, doing her best to will that emotion away. Doctor Falkan placed several images on a board and asked for Elma to look.
The Doctor then proceeded to explain the full extent of her sustained injuries with special attention of course going to where Lao had shot her.
"From what we could gather from the scene, I've been told you were shot by an anti-material round."
Elma opened her mouth to speak, Falkan cutting her off.
"Yes. The same type of munitions used to disable and destroy armored vehicles. That's the only way it could do so much damage to-"
"Jaynix!"
Elma stood up immediately.
"She got shot too!"
Falkan looked at her notes, she was unaware of this. No doubt because Jaynix was human so she was taken to a different installation to treat her.
"Oh my. That's not good."
Elma began retrieving her armor as Falkan spoke up.
"Now hold on there! Colonel!"
"Elma!"
The pair turned as Irina, Gwin, Kruse and Harriet entered the room, the Lieutenant approaching her first.
"Elma! You're alright! We-"
She then noticed Elma was holding her armor.
"Leaving already?"
"Do any of you know where Jaynix is?"
The group looked at each other, Kruse stepping forward.
"I reached out but there was no response. I haven't heard from either of you since we split up at the ECP."
Elma sighed, frustrated.
"Should she be up and about already?"
Gwin asked to which Harriet shrugged.
"We'd prefer if she took it easy for a bit longer but...we can't really hold her here. She outranks most of us."
Elma sat back down on her bed.
"Excuse me."
The group turned as Nagi entered.
"Oh. It seems everyone had the same idea."
Elma looked to Nagi as he cleared his throat.
"I'm sure you all wish to know show Elma your support. I don't want to sound rude but there is an urgent matter that she and I must discuss. Please."
Doctor Falkan sighed.
"Of course. It's only my hospital, my patient, but go nuts."
Shaking her head, she left the room, the rest of the group slowly filing out.
Nagi pulled up a chair and sat across from Elma.
"What do you remember?"
"The Lawless. Four groups of four each, three transport trucks. They came to my apartment in the ECP staff complex and took Kriss. They...Kriss! Did you find her?"
Nagi shook his head.
"I had my Ares disable the trucks, she should've been there…"
Nagi pulled out his datapad, several holographic screens displaying various reports from the scene.
"We did find three disabled transports but that made no sense to us. Four groups of Lawless and yet three trucks?"
Nagi flipped over to another image displaying four sets of tire tracks. Elma shook her head.
"They took her."
"Yes. We had satellites in the area trailing the fourth truck but it vanished."
Elma looked away.
"Stealth camouflage."
"Seems likely. While we aren't certain how the Lawless figured it out the going theory rests with their 2nd in command, Rueben Torrez. Regardless of how, because of the stealth we had to resort to tracking it the old fashioned way. We followed the tire tracks but what we ended up finding was a burnt out wreck. Once they got her where they needed her, they moved her by another method. On foot perhaps? The Lawless Sectors are too vast. Kumon and I are reaching out to all our contacts but so far...nothing."
Elma closed her eyes.
"As for Lao...we can't access your Ares because you gave command of it to Jaynix. We need her."
Nagi watched Elma, he could see she was afraid to ask.
"Kumon and Lyla are with Jaynix now. Lyla was able to reach her and got an emergency team to her. She's in terrible shape, even worse than you...some of the doctors recommended transferring her to a Mimeosome right now in order to save her…"
Elma shook her head.
"Absolutely not. Not without her consent."
"If she dies on the operating table-"
"Not without her consent."
Nagi locked eyes with Elma.
"I'm not taking away her body from her...she needs to be okay with it...they all need to agree to it...that was the rule."
Sighing, Nagi closed all the screens.
"I know, Elma. I wouldn't have brought it up but…"
"Can I see her?"
Nagi stood up.
"Doctor Falkan needs to give you the full rundown first, then we can go. Together. Not before."
Elma took a deep breath before nodding.
"Of course. Thank you, sir."
"Don't mention it…"
"Jaynix is strong. She'll pull through...she will."
Elma whispered, mostly to herself.
Everything was black, a bag had been placed over the Professor's head upon her capture and it hasn't been moved since then. At least she couldn't recall if it had been, she was injected and knocked out not long after being pulled out of the ECP complex.
Now all she knew was that she was tied to a chair and there were several armed individuals around her. Remaining silent, she listened to them talk.
"Well then...I'm not too impressed...we sacrificed all that for her?"
"We lost twelve fighters against two of them. TWO. New equipment be damned!"
"They were there much faster than we thought...but we got her."
"I heard the Bloodstained Corporal appeared...I thought she was a myth."
"I thought she was dead."
"So what now? Did we win yet?"
The voices ceased as a door opened. Footsteps were heard, there was a whisper followed by someone telling them to shush.
One pair of footsteps approached from behind, pulling the bag off their captive's head.
"Professor Kriss Fowler."
Shaking her head she looked straight ahead. Four fully armed men to the left, four to the right, one behind her holding the bag that was once covering her sight and one standing in the middle in far lighter armor than the others. She made note of the ends of his weapon, a large experimental looking sniper rifle.
The man had long black hair and untamed scruff along his face, his expression was one that showed so much. He had served for a long time, seen many things. Only that could explain how tired and even haunted he looked.
He brought a hand to his chest.
"Lao Huang. Commander of the 2nd Soldier Unit. The Lawless."
Kriss waited as the man behind her moved away to stand next to Lao. He had a pair of goggles on his head and unkempt, short brown hair. His dark eyes seemed, curious. Beneath that, Kriss could see something more. Darker.
"Rueben Torrez, 2nd in command of these fine gentlemen…"
"I'm going to stop you both right there."
Kriss stated.
"Whatever it is you lot want...I don't care. You want to raze Noah's Cradle to the ground? Dismantle the ECP? Or hell, ransom me for a billion dollars fine. All I want to know is...where is Benton?"
Torrez chuckled as Lao took a few steps forward.
"What do you think Benton is to us?"
"He hired you lot. Just like he hired me. Or rather, LAST."
Lao nodded.
"You aren't wrong...but if you think it was just Benton who wanted us around…"
Walking behind Kriss, Lao cut her restraints. Standing she turned as he gestured farther into the building. The place was far more well kept than most facilities in the Lawless Sectors, but that was to be expected from former soldiers.
She followed the man while Torrez trailed them, the rest of the armed guard breaking up and resuming their duties.
"There are more moles within the ECP?"
"The ECP? The Coalition? Who cares. It's the end of days...people only want one thing. To survive."
Kriss crossed her arms.
"And you think there is some other way to do that beyond Project Exodus?"
"The thing isn't whether there is or isn't...but more that we were never told a definitive why."
"A why?"
The pair walked through a set of doors into a large warehouse where Kriss could see dozens of technicians working on all sorts of weapons.
"An alien war is coming to Earth...and in the aftermath we'll be wiped out...why? Why us? Could there truly be no negotiation?"
Kriss laughed.
"Is that what you want? To talk?"
Lao came to a halt.
"That's what I wanted...then I learned the truth...what Project Exodus really is."
Kriss fell silent, Lao taking a few more steps forward. Her eyes moved from the man to the technicians. There was something about the weapons that seemed familiar. Glancing over at Lao, she decided to move away. It wasn't like she could escape, what harm could there be in taking a closer look.
While Lao stood rooted to his spot, Torrez followed her closely as she neared a workbench. The technician moved away as Kriss examined his project.
"This is…"
"LAST? Right?"
Torrez laughed as Kriss turned to him.
"You stole my research already? How?"
Torrez shrugged.
"Who can say?"
"Benton wanted what was in your head, Kriss...but we don't care about that. Not anymore. While we don't have everything...we've been graciously provided with enough."
Lao approached her again as she spoke.
"Who gave you all of this?"
Lao leaned towards Torrez and whispered something.
"The person who gave us this is also the reason we brought you here."
"...is it not Benton?"
Lao chuckled.
"That man proved himself quite useful to us...but we've found a new benefactor...and as I said before, there are more people out there who need us. Surely you're aware that Project Exodus isn't the only way?"
Kriss laughed.
"Of course not...but it's the united way. Those smaller, independent projects have no hope of getting off the ground…"
"Maybe not, but we're not here to debate that part of all of this."
"Here? And what is this, your base of operations? Or just some other waystation?"
Lao looked around, there was something in his eyes. Some form of realization.
"Ah. I see...I thank you for your aid Kriss."
Holding his hand up he snapped his fingers and several armed soldiers approached. After a series of hand signals the group broke apart.
"So. Mr. Huang. Aren't you going to tell me? What is Project Exodus?"
Lao turned back to her and spoke.
"Humanity's extinction."
"What do we have Eren?"
The Strategist let out a long sigh before standing from her desk to face Steven and Tai.
"Not much unfortunately. These weapons were not crafted by any standard installation in Noah's Cradle or even the nearest Megacities. Nope. They're entirely original."
Steven crossed his arms.
"So their point of origin is some off the books facility? Or an experimental lab?"
Eren snapped her fingers as Tai tilted his head.
"We do know of one secret group involved in weapons development."
Eren looked back at her desk, tapping a few keys, the screen displaying the logo for LAST.
"Yep. However, all the facilities LAST had that I can track down are completely cleared out. It's like no one was there. And of course the one we were in was trashed then wiped off the map by a ballistic missile attack."
"Where are we on tracking those missiles?"
Eren shook her head at Steven's question.
"Nowhere. It was an unsanctioned launch from a hangar in the Lawless Sectors. From what we could gather from the remains of the LAST facility, the missiles used were old tech from before the advancement. A lot more rudimentary but still destructive and untraceable by our more advanced methods."
Steven cursed.
"So it's like trying to track down a series of handwritten notes with listening devices?"
Eren sighed as she snapped her fingers again.
"Exactly. The technological boom we've been experiencing these last few decades has caused such absurd advancements that old tech was just...discarded. We were going so fast there was no need and no time to update all our old infrastructures to work with the new technology. We only hit up the things vital to sustaining life and that missile hangar wasn't one of 'em. It had no nukes, no biological weaponry...just surface missiles. Nothing earth shattering."
Steven turned away, tapping his chin as Sagis and Alto entered the room, Alto speaking.
"Hey lot, we're back from the scene."
"Jaynix?"
Sagis shook his head.
"She's still in intensive care. We couldn't see her but the General and Lyla are there. The doctors are the best on this side of the planet so she'll be fine. Until she is, the General wants us to keep on any leads we have on the Lawless."
Eren laughed.
"I can give you everything we have in one word. Nothing."
Alto groaned.
"Really? The missiles? The weapons? Nothing?"
Tai turned to the Blood Brothers.
"What about the attack on the apartment complex? Anything there?"
Sagis shook his head
"Nah. The Lawless escaped with a hostage on a fourth stealth truck that they abandoned once they reached the Lawless Sectors. The truck was reduced to a husk and they disappeared."
Eren raised an eyebrow.
"Hostage?"
Alto nodded.
"Yep...but whoever the hostage is, that's above our clearance. The General assures us that getting them back is also part of our task...but he really wants Lao in the ground now. After what that bastard did to Elma and Jaynix...I wanna strangle him myself."
There was a silence before Steven asked.
"Where are they treating Jaynix?"
"If they won't let us in, they won't let you in."
Alto stated.
"I don't want in...I have something I need to discuss with the General. In person."
Alto watched Steven closely before nodding to Sagis who gave him the location.
"Was the scene as grisly as described in the reports?"
At Tai's question, Alto could only laugh.
"Not in the least...it was worse."
The soldier was shocked to find his strike hit nothing but air, then he felt a pair of strong hands grab his arm, the next thing he knew he was over on his back, the wind knocked out of him. The woman mounted him and raised her fist, her strike stopped right in front of his face.
After the shock subsided he couldn't help but chuckle. The other proctors around clapped their hands as the woman stood and helped him up.
"Well done Officer Copeland."
Jaynix smiled and bowed.
"Thank you, sir."
The proctor she threw down shook his head.
"I think we're going to need to throw something else at you to really get your blood pumping. We have a lot to work with here…"
"What'd you have in mind Markinson?"
Standing back up, the worn out man, Markinson shook his head. He looked over at Jaynix who smiled.
"Too rough?"
"I'm sure you could do much worse."
She said nothing, but her smile let him know that she absolutely could. Markinson tapped his chin before turning to the other assembled proctors.
"Who is the best fighter in D-Squad?"
One of the others flipped through several holo screens on display before nodding.
Jaynix didn't have to wait long before she had her new opponent. The stranger bowed to her, she returned the gesture.
"Officer Jaynix Copeland, B-Squad."
"Officer Lyla Richards, D-Squad."
Jaynix took a fighting stance, Lyla doing the same. Markinson stepped forward.
"Hand to hand combat, first to pin her opponent and force a surrender wins. Begin!"
Jaynix and Lyla shot forward, Jaynix's opening strike barely missing as Lyla dove aside. Circling around Jaynix, she closed in for another strike. Jaynix was ready, turning and grabbing Lyla's outstretched arm before her fist could make contact.
She went for a throw but Lyla's other fist came for her face. Evading that blow, she loosened her grip, allowing Lyla to make a quick escape. Just as fast she was back in Jaynix's face, narrowing her eyes, Jaynix brought her arms up to guard against Lyla's blows.
Jaynix noted that not only was Lyla fast, she had an incredible reaction time. A welcome change from the other opponents unable to deal with surprise after surprise.
Timing herself, Jaynix dropped her guard and reached out, grabbing both of Lyla's arms before ramming her knee into her stomach. Lyla gasped in pain then locked eyes with Jaynix as she returned the favor.
Grunting, Jaynix released her and stepped back. Quick reactions indeed. Changing up her stance, Jaynix ran back in, this time she ducked under Lyla's blows and with a sweep, kicked her legs out from under her.
Lyla reached forward, catching herself on the ground and began the motions to flip back over on her feet. Quick. As expected. Jaynix spun back around and leapt, delivering a strong kick to Lyla's torso throwing the woman across the ground.
Coughing, Lyla got back to her feet. Jaynix could see that her opponent realized what happened there. She seemed impressed.
Jaynix smiled. This was fun. Lyla charged in, Jaynix couldn't help but laugh as she charged forward as well. Jaynix's first punch went wide as Lyla ducked under the blow, her own fist closing in on Jaynix's chest. Quickly, Jaynix used her other hand to catch the blow before it connected.
Lyla pulled her fist away and slid past and behind Jaynix, grabbing her. There was a sound of surprise as Lyla lifted the larger woman and threw her back and over. Rolling across the ground, Jaynix got back up to her feet and caught Lyla's oncoming kick.
With all her strength she pulled the woman and tossed her aside, Lyla catching herself and flipping away. Jaynix wiped the sweat off her brow. Her smile would not fade and another laugh escaped her.
As Lyla returned to her stance, she too wore a smile.
Years later, Jaynix would admit that the fight had ended long ago, and this was the first time she and Lyla flirted with each other.
Slowly opening her eye, Jaynix returned to the world of the living. With a groan she sat up in bed, a faint sense of nausea causing her to ease back down. Taking a deep breath she focused and tried her best to remember what happened.
She retrieved the communications device in Benton's office as planned but could no longer reach Kriss. Then Elma tried to reach out to her and she knew something was wrong so she rushed back to the apartment complex. She reunited with Elma and-
She heard the gunshot again and stood up from the bed, memories and visions flooding her mind all at once.
"Hey! HEY! Anyone here! Let me out! Where's Elma!? What happened?"
Moving towards the door, Jaynix found it locked. Angered, she clenched her fist, ready to beat it down when she heard the lock click.
Stepping back from the door she watched it open, revealing Lyla and Kumon standing there as well as a doctor behind them.
Lyla took a hold of Jaynix's arm and helped her back to the bed, the doctor followed up. He performed quick check ups on Jaynix before giving Kumon the okay and walked away.
"Welcome back, Corporal."
Jaynix's eyes moved from Lyla to Kumon.
"What happened?"
"Before that...Jaynix. I need to hear it from you."
Jaynix watched Kumon's gaze, knowing exactly what he was referring to. Slowly she looked over to Lyla.
"I'm here. It's alright."
Leaning in, Lyla gave Jaynix a quick kiss. Taking a deep breath, Jaynix looked back at Kumon.
"I returned to the complex to help Elma...Lao attacked us. He shot Elma and I got hit when I covered her…"
Kumon nodded as Jaynix thought back to that moment.
"...then...I got angry…"
Jaynix remembered the surge of pain and hate that flooded into her.
"I realized...that it was the Lawless. Lao. He had just tried to take something else from me and...I lost it…"
Jaynix thought back to the fight, the massacre.
"There were twelve corpses outside of the building. One was killed by a single gunshot to the head. Three others by explosive trauma from the Ares. The other eight were missing limbs and had several internal organs pulled out of their bodies. Intestines, throat and one man's skull was shattered beyond recognition. Do any of these ring a bell?"
Jaynix nodded.
"That was me."
Closing her eye, she repeated.
"That was me."
Kumon pulled up a chair and sat across from Jaynix.
"You were right, sir. Right to sideline me from this mission."
The general sighed.
"I didn't account for Elma's mission to cross paths with the Lawless but it seems like her search for answers and ours are one and the same. We're all going to need to have a roundtable discussion to decide what to do moving forward."
"Is she alright?"
Kumon nodded.
"Nagi reached out not too long ago. They did their final checks on her, she's been cleared. Once you are, we'll all be meeting to discuss how we'll deal with this. Unfortunately all the news I've been receiving has been bad. Dead end after dead end. Not to mention the Lawless escaped with the Professor."
Jaynix shook her head.
"Impossible. Elma disabled the vehicles...they're all dead."
"That's what we thought too."
Kumon filled Jaynix in on the fourth truck, as well as Lao somehow escaping the Ares sent after him. The answer for both had to be some form of stealth camouflage.
"Shit…"
Kumon waited a few moments before speaking.
"Do you think you have a handle of yourself now, Jaynix?"
"...I don't know...I feel better now but…"
Looking down to her hands she sighed.
"I still feel this urge. I still want to kill. Kill them all."
Kumon stood up.
"If things continue this way...we're going to have to rely on you after all."
Jaynix shook her head.
"I don't think that's a good idea sir…not anymore..."
"It's up to you, Jaynix. At the very least, you should be at the roundtable. This whole situation is important to you. We all know that."
Jaynix remained silent as Kumon straightened his tie. A smile on his face.
"I'm relieved to know you're okay, Corporal."
"Thank you, sir."
Kumon turned and left the room, closing the door. Letting the tension leave her body, Jaynix leaned against Lyla who held onto her and kissed the top of her head.
Outside of the room, Kumon turned to see Steven waiting for him.
"Hideo."
"Steven. What are you doing here?"
"You know why I'm here, sir."
The pair stared at each other for a few moments, Kumon shaking his head. Before he could speak, Steven cut him off.
"You sidelined her because you recruited me. We both know that."
"That's not true."
Steven waited, Kumon sighing.
"Not entirely true...you and I both know how close she is to all of this and we both know that you've never fully recovered. But that doesn't matter now Steven. I didn't bring you in on this to help you fix something we can't fix. I brought you in because we need you for this fight."
Steven's eyes moved from Kumon to the door he came out of, to the room that Jaynix and Lyla were in.
"She doesn't even remember me. Does she.
"No."
Steven chuckled.
"I'll never forget her. I know what she is."
Steven's gaze returned to Kumon, the General recognized that look and shook his head before walking away, Steven close behind.
"Hideo-"
"We're not having this conversation."
"Like hell we aren't. I saw the autopsy reports, everyone did. She got off her leash!"
"She's not some rabid animal!"
"So you kept telling me, you told me that so many times I almost believed you."
Kumon came to a halt and turned to Steven.
"So what? What do you want, Steven?"
"Regardless of why you benched her, it was the right call. Why put her in the game now? She's a liability. Always has been!"
"She's a member of this team. She's been a part of this family for years. She's saved all of our asses just as we've saved hers."
Steven laughed.
"No doubt from situations she created. You can't control her if she can't control herself."
"You never were particularly faithful, were you Steven?"
The Archer shook his head.
"Faith has nothing to do with this. I'm a realist. A leash is no longer enough for her. You know it. I know it."
"There is no leash, Steven. Never has been."
"Well maybe there should be."
Steven stepped back and took a deep breath.
"Hideo. I only say this because we're old friends. I do believe with all my heart that you are risking your entire team's lives by having her deploy with you."
"You're too stubborn to accept that people can change and conquer their monsters. Move past their sorrows. Their fears. Grow stronger. Be better. That's all Jaynix has done these years since the massacre and she's succeeded."
"Then what the hell do you call what happened yesterday? An accident?"
"No one could have predicted that."
Kumon stated quietly.
"Steven. I didn't bring you back into the fold for this."
"But you had to know it'd come up eventually."
Kumon closed his eyes.
"Then...all I ask is that you return to your retirement. If you can't agree with me on this then you can't be here…"
Steven shook his head.
"You know I can't do that. I was there the night the Lawless turned. I have to see the end. I lost part of myself that night and I'll never be the same again...I have to be here."
Opening his eyes, Kumon spoke.
"Then accept that Jaynix will be next to us when the end comes...because she will be."
Steven sighed as Kumon turned and left the building. Closing his eyes, Steven took a deep breath. Counting to three, he exhaled.
The pain in his torso died down as he opened his eyes.
Standing in the ECP's main room, Elma crossed her arms. Things didn't go well at all. She wanted to blame herself knowing that there was no way to predict them going for Kriss. She had no reason to believe that Kriss had been followed the night she escaped the Lawless Sectors.
Then again, she knew Lao. She should've known he'd find some way to track her down.
Then something came to her. The call Benton received before the end of their meeting. Kriss had to be right but without her they had nothing to pin Benton to anything. Nothing except.
"Nagi."
The man looked to Elma, eyebrow raised.
"How did Jaynix get back to the complex?"
Nagi brought out the reports from the scene again, scrolling through them he nodded.
"It seems she...stole a vehicle from the ECP lot. Hotwired it, something she no doubt learned from Eren."
"Was there anything in the vehicle?"
Nagi continued perusing the files.
"Yes. A datapad. We assumed it was Jaynix's so we set it aside for her."
"Get that device to a tech team right now and open it."
Nagi looked to Elma, he recognized that look in her eyes and nodded.
"Looks like you'll be going to see Jaynix alone. This will be done, Elma."
"I'll tell her you said hi."
Nagi smiled before stepping away, Elma then turned to see Benton watching her from an office.
The two stared at one another for a few moments before he flipped the blinds shut. Kruse, Harriet, Irina and Gwin then approached Elma.
"Great to see ya all set to tackle the world, Elma!"
Letting the negativity fade away, she nodded to Gwin.
"Of course. Thank you, all of you for the support."
Kruse shook his head.
"Don't worry about it. If we could, we'd go see Jaynix but we're not allowed to. We're all wishing her the best."
Irina nodded.
"Elma. Is everything we heard true? The Lawless led an incursion? Kidnapped someone?"
Irina whispered.
"Lao?"
Elma looked at all their expressions before nodding.
"It's all true. This is a connection we're going to sever...Irina, Gwin, head on to the war room in the Coalition HQ. Nagi should've sent you the coordinates. Link up with Boris and Danny and prep our formations."
Irina nodded.
"Yes ma'am."
"Do we know where we're going? Where the Lawless are hiding out?"
Gwin asked, to which Elma shook her head.
"I am certain that we will know soon. And when we do, we need to move immediately. We're going to wipe them out."
Irina and Gwin bowed to Elma before departing.
"I wish I could help."
Elma looked to Kruse and smiled.
"You did. Remember?"
He scratched the back of his head as Elma's gaze then moved on to Harriet.
"You helped with my operation?"
"I! Uh...yes. Yeah. Doctor Falkan needed a hand and...there were other doctors there too. You are important Elma so...we-"
"Thank you, Harriet."
A blushing mess, Harriet bowed her head. Kruse chuckled as he patted her back.
"You two are free to return to your duties. I have to see Jaynix."
Exchanging nods, Elma left the building but not before glancing over to the office Benton was no doubt still in.
Outside of the building, she made a move to call her Skell only to remember she had passed the controls onto Jaynix. She couldn't help but chuckle.
"I should set up an override for the override...ah well…"
Walking towards the parking lot, she approached the staff only vehicles and registered one to her name as a call came through, looking to the number she was surprised.
Answering it she waited for the older voice to come through.
"Elma."
"You heard. About the attack. About Lao."
There was a low chuckle.
"Are you curious as to how?"
Elma shook her head, a sad smile on her face as she opened the car door and stepped inside.
"Not in the least. You were well connected then, I have no doubt you still are now…"
"...yeah…"
Elma leaned against the seat and closed her eyes.
"I don't want to sound rude but...what do you want, Doug?"
"I want to confess something to you...after what just happened. I have to."
Elma waited as the man gathered his thoughts. Doug was an old comrade of hers for years and an old friend of Lao's. The two were in active duty together for a good while before Lao became more interested in teaching at the Academy.
"Do you still keep in touch with him?"
"Lao? No...after what happened in 2041…"
He sighed.
"I'd rather do this in person."
"I know, Doug...but I'm busy. We have to stop him as soon as possible and I have to check up on Jaynix."
"...he came to me."
Elma waited, she could hear Doug take a few breaths.
"After the massacre."
Elma sat up straight, there was confusion in her eyes. Anger.
"You didn't say anything? Why!?"
"He was my friend Elma-"
"He killed innocent people!"
Elma put her datapad down, clenching her teeth she tried to contain herself. She wished for nothing more than to have a punching bag to let loose on.
Elma turned the car on and started driving, faster than she ever has and definitely faster than she should.
"Start. Talking."
"I...yeah...Elma, I know. I know...it wasn't...he came to recruit me."
"Recruit you?"
"Yeah. He wanted me to join the Lawless. He respected our service together y'know. I did too. I refused, of course, I was pissed off...that's putting it lightly. Like you said, he killed innocent people. He betrayed everything he fought for...so I asked him why. Why did he do it and why did he think I'd join him."
Elma cut a corner much tighter than she should have, she heard honking behind her but ignored it as she sped along.
"Did he give you an answer."
"He gave me the truth."
Elma brought the vehicle to a sudden stop and opened the door. Slamming it shut behind her she walked up to the house, prepared to knock with as much force as she could muster when the door opened to reveal Doug.
As she opened her mouth, he spoke.
"Exodus. He told me what the ECP was really doing. About the Lifehold Core."
Elma came to a stop. Now struggling with her words she watched as Doug nodded.
"I wasn't sure if I should believe the words of a traitor...but he seemed so sure of it. Seeing your face now. That confirms it…"
Doug crossed his arms.
"I don't agree with it Elma. It's not right."
"Doug-"
"But...just because I don't think it's humane doesn't mean going about it how he did was the right thing to do...I don't think either side is right if I'm being honest."
"It's easy to say that when the fate of humanity doesn't rest on your shoulders. You retired, Doug. You made your choice. I won't have you criticizing mine. Not you."
Doug shook his head.
"That's not what I'm doing."
"Then what are you doing? I'll have you know I've had a very bad day and by the looks of it...it isn't getting any better. I had Lao, someone I thought I could trust turn on me and massacre a class of academy officers! Then he returns and shoots me and my best friend! So...get to the point."
Doug looked down at the ground.
"In my wildest imagination...I didn't think you'd get this angry…"
"All of this. The Exodus. It means more to me than you'll ever realize, Doug. Than anyone ever will."
Doug looked back up, locking eyes with Elma.
"I sacrificed...everything...not just me. My...someone important to me too...I know it's not perfect. We've had three decades...no, even longer to prepare. We've had so much time to work this plan out and it still wasn't enough. What we're doing now...it's all we've got. It's the best we could do."
Elma shook her head.
"It's the best answer I could come up with in the time we've been given. Do I want a better answer? Of course I do! But there isn't one. This is it."
Doug nodded. He searched for the words to say, meeting Elma's eyes again.
"I'm sorry."
Elma felt her anger and disappointment fade away as Doug apologized again.
"Don't...don't…"
The pair stood in silence before Doug cleared his throat.
"Lao...he needed me because all his faithful were killed during the massacre, that wasn't a part of his plan. With the exception of his second in command, he had nothing. He needed a new force and with me, he figured he'd have access to my connections. My old war buddies."
Doug leaned against the doorframe.
"To some extent...I understood his anger...but he pulled the trigger first. He jumped the gun. Most of the people he killed were so young. He left many parents with no children and he left some kids as orphans."
Elma watched Doug's gaze fall.
"He did to them what the world did to him...he inflicted his pain onto others...why was that the answer he reached? I don't know...only he knows."
There was another silence as Elma studied Doug's face. In that moment he looked so tired and far older than he ever had before. Finally his eyes met hers and he spoke.
"Jaynix. She's your best friend right?"
Elma nodded.
"Treasure her. Cherish that bond...because I lost my best friend twelve years ago and all that's left is...something in the shape of him."
Doug closed his eyes, emotions overwhelming him as Elma spoke.
"Are you...telling me to-"
"Do what has to be done, Colonel. What we all know, has to be done...I just...I wanted you to hear it from me."
Doug turned to face her, standing straight he saluted her. Elma returned the gesture. The pair standing there for a few more moments before Doug let his arm fall to his side. As he turned away, Elma spoke.
"...we could use you, Doug. On the White Whale. You were chosen...you still are."
Doug took hold of the door handle. With a smile he shook his head.
"I can't, Elma."
Bowing his head to her, he bid farewell and wished her luck. Elma stood there as he closed the door, lock clicking.
"So...Mr. Huang. What's the master plan here?"
Lao stood atop a walkway overlooking the factory below as the engineers completed more weapons under Torrez's direction.
Behind him was Kriss, impatiently tapping her foot.
"You know the whole detached, uncaring loner thing died out in the 2000s right? Far earlier I'd argue."
Lao chuckled.
"I wasn't aware you were alive in the 2000s."
"I don't have to be to know what's outdated."
Lao nodded.
"True. We searched you so we know you have no tracker on you of any sort. No audio device. Nothing. What would either of us gain from talking of my objective?"
Kriss smiled.
"Nothing. So?"
Lao waited, tapping his fingers along the railing.
"I know the truth...so I'm doing something about it. Simple as."
"The truth about humanity's extinction?"
"It's where we're all headed if she has her way. I won't allow it."
Kriss raised an eyebrow as Lao glanced over to her.
"There were no official reports...no news...so for now, the Colonel is alive. My shot hit the mark but she's far more tenacious than anticipated...which is where you come in, Professor."
"Me? I thought you said you had no interest in using me."
"Not in the traditional sense."
Several guards stood at attention below. Lao turned to them, watching as they made hand signals. Nodding, Lao dismissed them.
"You were being hidden in the Colonel's quarters. What connection do you have to her?"
Kriss rolled her eyes.
"Seriously? Even you? Connections? Bonds? Trust? You people will find yourselves in early graves being so infuriatingly naive."
"Maybe. But the fact is, the Colonel was granting you her protection. Taking you from her guarantees she'll seek you out. When she arrives...we kill her. Easy."
Kriss laughed.
"You think she'll come alone?"
"She'll have no choice. She's too heroic. Too superior to allow us to harm you."
Kriss gestured at her wrists.
"Yet you allow me to walk freely. It's true I can't escape from here with all your guards but this is hardly a hostage situation. It's more like I'm an inconvenienced guest."
"Maybe...but…"
Lao turned to Kriss and took her glasses off. He examined them closely, smiling to himself.
"...but you have your uses."
"What are you implying?"
Lao shrugged, taking a pistol out he fired, his bullet piercing Kriss' torso. Gasping in shock, the Professor fell to her knees.
"Let's hope she got your message, Kriss. For humanity's sake and for your own...she better have."
Kriss stared back up at the man as he dropped her glasses and walked away. Clutching her injury, she cursed. Falling over onto the ground she stared at the ceiling.
"What a...piss poor way to die."
Jaynix smiled wide, proud as ever as Flame was given the first place ribbon for her latest creation. Standing at half her height was a replica of Flame's favorite model toy. Only this one was fully operational, there was a controller in Flame's hands that allowed it to move, walk and float a little. She was aiming to get it flying someday.
Jaynix, Sonja and Maxwell applauded her, as loudly as they could.
Next to Jaynix was Lyla, also applauding for her friend's sister. Jaynix and Lyla exchanged a look and smiled.
The group met with Flame outside the auditorium, Jaynix giving Flame a big hug, the younger sister laughing.
"C'mon Jay, I'm not that small anymore. You don't have to lift me."
"I know but I can't help it! I'm so proud of you!"
"We all are."
Maxwell stated, earning a smile from Flame.
"It's thanks to you, dad. Without your help I-"
"I made some suggestions, but this was all you. You're improving at an amazing pace Flame, I couldn't be more proud!"
Flame turned as Lyla approached.
"Jaynix wasn't kidding. You're brilliant!"
Flame couldn't keep up with all the compliments, she gave Lyla a smile and thanked her.
"Seeing first hand what you can do? I have no doubt you'll be able to build a flying robot. I look forward to seeing it."
Jaynix nodded, echoing Lyla's sentiments.
"And when you do, I wanna fly it!"
Flame laughed at that.
"It's a long way off and I'm pretty sure the first test being a live one isn't a good idea."
The three shared a laugh at that as Sonja laid out plans for where the group would head next to celebrate.
"Thanks for comin' Lyla. You didn't have to."
"And miss all this? As if."
The group began moving away from the building, heading for the family van.
"Jaynix. Lyla. I hope you two are all prepared for my upcoming course."
The two looked over to Sonja who wore a wide smile.
"I'm in the rotation for your squads and I figured...why not take you all on at the same time? You've heard of my lessons, right?"
Jaynix laughed.
"I've lived it! No big deal."
Lyla was a little more nervous. Maxwell saw that and laughed while Flame gave Lyla a look.
"Don't worry, she's not nearly as bad as people claim she is. Do your best and you'll pull through."
Lyla seemed more at ease while Sonja shook her head.
"C'mon at least let me have the tough teacher impression that I've worked so hard for."
The five entered the van, Sonja starting it up and pulling out of the lot. Jaynix crossed her arms.
"I'm gonna blow you away mom! I've been doing nothing but improving these years!"
Sonja looked up at the rearview mirror briefly, seeing Jaynix's wide grin. Years later it was still exactly the same as the young girl who came home after beating up all the bullies.
"I don't doubt it my little spark…"
"Mom…"
Lyla giggled at the nickname.
"That's cute."
Maxwell shook his head.
"Be careful there, the last thing Jaynix wants to be known as is cute. She's humanity's fiercest protector!"
Jaynix rolled her eyes as her father laughed.
"Right right, say what you will. But in a few years, everyone is gonna know my name! And everyone is gonna feel safer with me there!"
Flame leaned into Jaynix.
"Just like me!"
Jaynix gave her a smile, Lyla watched the sisters feeling that joy grow inside her as well.
"Having sparred with you as much as I have...I believe it. I'm looking forward to this course Sonja. Nervous or not, I'll make you proud."
Sonja nodded.
"I'm counting on it."
Jaynix stood from her bed and began stretching. She flinched several times, the pain still apparent but she had to prepare. There would be a fight soon and she had every intention of being there.
Whether it was a good idea or not, she had to be there.
Lyla reentered the room with food, placing it on the side table she watched as Jaynix continued to get back into form.
"Need a sparring partner?"
Jaynix laughed.
"Now? Nah...you'd beat me way too easy...what I need is to have a week of uninterrupted training in one day. I need to be back at full yesterday!"
Lyla shook her head, smiling as Jaynix continued her workout.
"Shouldn't you be heading to the roundtable by now Lyla?"
"Not without you."
Jaynix sighed.
"I'd love to go but...could you imagine me limping into that room? The almighty Corporal Jaynix reduced to this by one bullet?"
"It wasn't just a bullet...you were shot in the back...to say nothing of the injuries from the other Lawless soldiers. I think it'd be inspiring to see you at the war room in spite of your condition."
"Maybe…"
Jaynix came to a stop.
"Mind if I get some air?"
Lyla reached over and took the water and a sandwich from the plate.
"Eat, please."
Jaynix took them and began to make quick work of the sandwich. Lyla shook her head.
"Take it easy...please."
Finishing it off, she took a long drink of water before sighing in relief.
"Thanks, babe."
"Of course."
Jaynix stepped out of the room.
"I'll be right back!"
Lyla shook her head, smile on her face as she began retrieving all of Jaynix's things.
Walking down the hall, Jaynix's smile faded. She couldn't help but think back to the hallway. To Elma. To the battle. It's all that occupied her and as much as she knew she should think of something else...this sensation was so familiar. It was so powerful.
As she opened the door and stepped outside she was caught in a breeze, the wind helped calm her down. Breathing a sigh of relief she turned to see someone standing not too far off.
"Elma?"
The other woman began approaching.
"Jaynix...out of bed already? Always an overachiever."
Elma watched as Jaynix came towards her, a sad expression in her eyes as she came to a stop.
"Jaynix?"
The Corporal was searching her eyes, her voice quiet.
"Elma...can I…"
She raised her hands. Elma stepped closer and took Jaynix's hands in her own. As soon as their hands touched, there was shock on Jaynix's face, then she collapsed.
Elma was quickly at her side as the door opened. Lyla yelled her name and joined the pair.
"What happened?"
"I...I don't know she-"
The pair fell silent as Jaynix's eyes found Elma's. Tears ran down her face.
"After...after the battle...I don't remember anything. A team got me...I was here...but nothing...all I could see…"
Jaynix shook her head.
"Was you...in that hallway and I…"
Elma tried to tell Jaynix it was okay, to stop, but she wouldn't.
"I wasn't fast enough...I was never fast enough...over and over again…"
Jaynix looked down at her and Elma's joined hands. She tightened her hold on them, reassuring herself that Elma was real as best she could. Even Kumon telling her Elma was alright did not stop her mind from running wild.
"I wasn't fast enough…"
Lyla embraced her wife as Elma took a deep breath.
"You were Jaynix. I'm here because of you...it's okay."
Lyla leaned in and whispered in Jaynix's ear.
"Elma is safe because you were there…"
Jaynix closed her eyes, letting the words sink in, the nightmares slowly faded away. She saved Elma, as powerful as those dark thoughts were, Lyla was always there to remind her of the truth.
Opening her eyes, Jaynix looked to Elma.
"I...I guess I have a lot of explaining to do…"
Elma knew what Jaynix was referring to but shook her head.
"No, Jaynix...I need you. We need you. This can wait...the Lawless. Lao. That can't."
"...are you sure?"
Elma and Lyla stood up, each helping Jaynix to her feet as Elma spoke.
"Of course. I trust you, Jaynix...and you've shown me that I can trust you with my life."
Wiping her face, Jaynix let out a long shaky breath.
"Thank you, Elma."
A call came in at that point, Elma sighed, looking to the other women, Lyla comforting Jaynix. Knowing she'd be fine, Elma answered the call.
"Nagi?"
"Elma. The team was able to break into the datapad Jaynix had."
"And?"
There was a long pause before Nagi replied.
"The system had a wipe protocol installed. Everything on it was deleted and the circuitry shorted itself out...there's nothing we can pull from it...I'm sorry."
Elma wanted to curse as loudly as possible, she'd never felt this annoyed. This enraged.
"There is...something else though."
"What?"
Nagi cleared his throat but before he could say anything Elma heard a familiar sound.
"Is that...Aegis?"
There were loud, angry meows followed by hissing as Nagi came back on.
"Yes...the rescue team found her in the corner of your apartment. Terrified and angry...she tried to fight them all off. We didn't want to leave her there so we...tranquilized her and brought her here...she's not happy about it."
Elma sighed.
"I'm sorry Nagi I-"
Jaynix and Lyla watched confusion appear in Elma's face. She leaned in closer to the datapad, as if listening for something.
"What is that?"
"What?"
Nagi asked.
"A sort of...jingling sound?"
"Ah. That would be the bell on Aegis' collar. Not really a bell...it...actually it looks like our Lifehold Archives."
Now Elma was really confused.
"Did you put that on her?"
"Us? No. She got here like this. Isn't it yours?"
Elma looked at Jaynix and Lyla.
"We have to go. Now!"
Gathered around the table in the war room was all the Reapers as well as the Archer, opposite of them were some of the Coalition's top officials including Elma's own Skelleton crew. As Kumon's eyes traveled across the room he noted every single person he recognized, there was a lot of talent in the room. That worried him.
The last time talent like this was involved with the Lawless, everyone ended up dead.
"Not this time…"
He whispered. His gaze moved to Tai, Sagis and Alto as they approached Irina and Gwin, a conversation started between them. He saw Sagis gesturing at his back where he would keep his weapons, Irina seemed interested, asking something in response.
He continued watching as the rest of the Reapers stood up and went to mingle with the other officials. He heard footsteps behind him.
"Steven."
"Hideo. I-"
"Let me stop you right there."
Clearing his throat, Kumon turned to face Steven.
"I know we have history. I have immense respect for your skills and service. Always have. Always will. But unless you are here to offer an apology…"
He watched conflict form in Steven's face. The man let out a long sigh, shaking his head.
"You must understand...I'm not bringing this up to overstep. I have to tell you these things. That's always been my role. Telling you the things you don't want to hear."
Kumon remained silent as Steven continued.
"Did I go too far? Maybe. But we all know how our first encounter with the Lawless went...what's coming...we all need to be at our best and I don't think we can be at our best...if Corporal Copeland is present."
Kumon shook his head.
"So. No apology?"
Steven made a frustrated sound.
"You know why I won't do that."
Turning away, Kumon nodded.
"I know...I've been hoping these years changed your view on that...while they haven't I'm sure you understand the Corporal will be in our group as she always has been. You'll be fighting alongside her. Alongside us. You'll see firsthand...the person she is."
Steven sat down, putting his head in his hands.
"I already know what she is...but since you won't keep an eye on her. I will."
Kumon prepared to say something else when the door opened. Nagi, Elma, Jaynix and Lyla walked in, followed quickly by a cat.
The staff gathered in the room, immediately turned and saluted to Nagi who raised one hand and gave everyone the motion to sit down.
As everyone did so, Aegis jumped onto Elma's lap and curled up. Clearly the feline was looking for comfort after having her home broken into then being abducted by Nagi's people.
"Are we deploying with the cat?"
Alto asked.
"Have you ever been subject to cat claws on your face? We can't lose."
Gwin added. Alto laughed at that, several other officials chuckled before Elma gave Jaynix a small item. Nagi brought up the holo screen on the table as Jaynix put the item down.
"Do any of you know what this is?"
Several people leaned in, Eren speaking.
"That looks like a Cross-branded Locator."
Irina looked at the item as well.
"Right, specifically a Never Lose It. They're products you can buy and link to an item of yours that is of value. If you ever misplace it you can use the registered app to track it down."
Nagi nodded.
"Precisely. Thanks to this item...we know where the Lawless are."
Kumon raised an eyebrow.
"How?"
Elma cleared her throat.
"I don't actually own one of these. Never had reason to though I admit they sound helpful. Also...I've never put a Lifehold shaped bell on Aegis. Yet that's what Nagi found her with when she was brought to him from my apartment. In light of another sensitive operation I can't disclose any identities but I was providing protection for someone important who the Lawless kidnapped from my home."
Elma tapped the image on the desk.
"This belonged to that person. They must've known or at least expected something would happen so they hid it within a small Lifehold shaped case that they then hooked onto Aegis. This device is giving us the coordinates to a pair of glasses that belong to the individual, far out in the Lawless Sectors."
Nagi flipped the screens over, revealing satellite coverage of a massive, ruined facility deep in the Lawless Sectors.
"This is where we're going to engage the enemy. We have no idea the full extent of their munitions, arms...anything. All we know is that they have access to uniquely developed weaponry. For that reason we're going all in with our deployment...including Skells. I understand we've tried to keep Skells out of the Lawless Sectors for a good long while but this time, we have no choice. The Lawless are not to be trifled with and if this is indeed their base, there is no telling how many people Lao converted to his cause this last decade."
Nagi stood up as Lao and Torrez's images appeared on screen as well.
"This battle will be dangerous...you all must understand that. But it must be fought, the hostage must be rescued...and most importantly. These two must be dealt with…"
Nagi waited a few moments.
"...Lao was one of us. A decorated ally, honorable. Yet he led the betrayal that scarred us twelve years ago...some part of me still wishes to hear why from him...but I also know that he will fight with everything he has. If an opportunity to capture him presents himself...I'd ask for an attempt. However, if the risk is too great. You all know what has to be done."
Nagi watched everyone's reactions. He could see in their eyes they understood but he also knew full well that after what just transpired, no one was going to even consider capturing Lao.
Taking a deep breath, Nagi flipped to one more screen showing footage from the apartment complex taken by the Ares. He pointed to a hilltop that was incredibly far from the building and one man lying prone on it. Lao.
The Ares drew in close at that point and began firing, just as quickly, it stopped upon Lao seemingly vanishing.
"The Lawless have access to Stealth Camouflage technology...and not only that but the Ares couldn't pick him up on any sensors...not even thermal. The Stealth is all encompassing, somehow tricking even our Skells' readings. We have no idea how well integrated that technology is but we must be on the highest alert when we begin the operation."
"Is it smart to go in with a full assault while the Lawless have a hostage?"
Tai asked to which Nagi sighed.
"No. For that reason, we are going to form a small elite team and have them fly their Skells over the enemy base to drop them off. They'll have minutes to find and secure the hostage before the engagement begins in full...we can't risk the Lawless escaping. It's a tight window but I have faith that we can do this."
As Nagi continued his briefing, Jaynix leaned towards Elma and whispered. Nodding, Elma stood, Aegis letting out a grumpy sound as she jumped away. The pair walked off into a corner, the cat remaining nearby.
"What is it Jaynix?"
"...I have to go somewhere…"
"Where?"
Elma then shook her head.
"No. Jaynix. We-"
"I'm not going after Lao alone...I...I have to visit someone before we mobilize."
"Jaynix, we're mobilizing as soon as the brief is over, there's no time."
Jaynix moved closer to Elma.
"Please. This is important."
Elma looked into Jaynix's eyes.
"Where are you going?"
"...I need to go to The Cross. If I'm going to get there and get back in time...I'll need to borrow the Ares again. It's far faster than Firebird. We all know that."
Elma crossed her arms.
"It's true but...the Ares is important to this strategy…"
Jaynix took hold of one of Elma's hands.
"I know. I know I'm asking the world from you right now Elma but please...trust me."
Elma watched Jaynix closely. A small sigh escaped her.
"Of course I trust you...be quick, Jaynix."
"I will. You won't even notice I'm gone."
"In return, I'll be making use of Firebird."
Jaynix chuckled.
"Treat her right."
Elma nodded, stepping aside as Jaynix quickly made her way out of the room. Rejoining the briefing, Elma cast one last look at the main door Jaynix had slipped out of.