[ Historical Museum, Southern Vaizen / September 22, 0078 11:33 ]
They had entered the Museum together. Testarossa led the way. Signum couldn't help but be amazed at how much power her figure radiated at that moment. She was born to be a hero.
The large entrance hall was in chaos. About a dozen of Gadgets were driving the mass of visitors towards the walls. The few mages of the museum security and the Ground Forces held up their shields but they were not enough to cover everyone… Cries of panic echoed under the domed ceiling.
Without a word, Testarossa stepped towards the furthest group of Gadgets, motioning to Signum and Zafira to take the rest. The next moment, the drones started exploding.
As the last Gadget's remains teleported away, Signum sheathed her sword and looked around. Zafira was walking calmly back to her, followed by a thirty-something man in brown uniform. Testarossa was already at her side. Destroying eight Gadgets in a blink of an eye did not so much as ruffle her hair.
"Sergeant Major Marsh of Battalion 132, Vaizen Ground Forces, Ma'am!" The man in uniform saluted Testarossa, recognizing the commanding officer on sight.
"Enforcer Fate T. Harlaown of the Dimensional Navy," Testarossa saluted him back after a moment of hesitation. "What's the situation inside the Museum, Sergeant?"
"Can't say, Ma'am. No casualties here but these things just appeared out of blue a few minutes ago, and I haven't had time to make contact with other posts. Do you think there are more of them?"
"A lot more," Testarossa confirmed grimly. Marsh's face paled.
"What are these things, exactly? Where did they come from?"
"Gadget Drones. Robotic hunter-seeker units. This is a terrorist attack, Sergeant."
"I will begin with the evacuation immediately, Ma'am."
"Negative. The streets outside crawl with even more of them."
"What then… Ma'am?"
"Is there a place inside where your men and the security can round up the civs and hold the line until the reinforcements arrive?"
"The main hall… if we can clear it, first."
"Inform all posts. I'll go with you. My aides will help clearing the rooms."
Marsh rushed back to his group.
"Aides?" Signum chuckled with a playful glance.
"I had to explain your presence here somehow!" Testarossa's cheeks reddened. "More importantly, go save those people! Signum, you take the left wing, Zafira can go right, OK?"
"Roger that," Zafira nodded. The next moment, a large blue wolf disappeared from sight.
"Feels like old times already," Signum and Fate exchanged a smile.