Mission 13: Part 1

A mild warm breeze came in through the open window as Erik Dobermann Jr. sat in his quarters dabbling on a small electric keyboard. He gave a content sigh while playing a few chords and arpeggios. Before joining the military, his mother had insisted he learned to play the piano hoping he would one day become a concert pianist. Of course he still enjoyed music, but instead he opted to follow in the footsteps of his father and become a career military officer. Even while he sat reflecting on past decisions made, he couldn't help but wonder where his father was right now or what he was doing. He had never had much of a relationship with the man as he was always gone, but even now, he could only wonder and make a vow that he would not be the same way with his own daughter.

While he fiddled some more on the keyboard, he wondered just how long the peace and quiet would last, especially since he knew his commanding officer would be busier than usual this week. It was that time of year again when most unit commanders were bogged down in paperwork. There were stacks of mission reports to go over, requisition forms to sign off on, and even worse, personnel evaluations that had to be done too.

As he was Martin's Executive Officer, Erik wanted to be sure to ease the burden on his captain's workload by handling any administrative nuisances or squad issues that would otherwise be considered annoying or unpleasant. The last thing Erik needed was for a pissed off C.O. doing their team evaluations while angry. He stopped when the door chime sounded, "Enter."

The Blue Ranger glanced up from his keyboard and blinked in surprise as both Erin and Ella angrily stormed in to his room. Erin gave a hasty salute before pointing at Ella, "Erik! I've got a major problem here."

"Speak for yourself," Ella retorted angrily as she smacked Erin's hand aside and stepped forward, "I haven't had a good night's sleep in days with all your snoring and midnight study sessions. Do you have to be such a nerd and stay up late reading your stupid books all the time?"

"Yeah, so that I don't become a ditzy airhead like some people" Erin shot back heatedly, "You think I like tripping over all your clutter and having my stuff get lost under all your extra civie clothes? I swear Ella, you can be such a huge slob sometimes!"

Ella growled and stared down her fellow female Ranger, "Oh that's it Reilly! You're about to lose another book and I'm going to shove it where the sun don't…"

"Ladies! That's enough!" Erik barked as he jumped to his feet, "Cool it, alright?"

Both female Rangers crossed their arms and grumbled something while refusing to look at one another.

Erik sighed with a level frown, "Listen girls, I know that the renovations to the female officers' quarters are a pain to deal with right now, but it won't be for much longer. You two have bunked together before on past missions, haven't you?"

"Well yeah… but that's different. That was only for a day or two at a time," Erin sighed, "Having to deal with each other's different routines for over a week now... well, we're just about ready to strangle each other!"

"Come on Erik! Isn't there something you can do?" Ella whined.

The Blue Ranger sighed and folded his hands behind him, "Well, unless you two want to be reassigned to new roommates in the mean time…"

"Fine. Great," Erin quickly answered giving one more dirty look toward Ella, "The sooner the better."

Ella stuck her tongue out in reply but both were silenced as Erik cleared his throat and fixed them with a stern glare. The two girls backed down before Erik gave a nod, "All right then. I'll work on the new room assignments now. In the mean time, try to not kill each other, please? We have enough Xenos out there trying to do that already."

Erin gave an apologetic nod, "Sorry Erik. It's just kinda weird seeing you like this."

He raised an eyebrow before Ella explained, "You're usually always smiling and laughing around here. It's just different seeing you do an impression of Martin just now... being all stern and serious, you know?"

Erik began to chuckle lightly, "Really? Me a disciplinarian? I was actually drawing on some different experiences just now."

The girls exchanged a puzzled look while Erik sat back down, "I just figured I'd deal with you two the same way I do with my daughter Sarah when she has one of her temper tantrums."

Ella pouted and gave a mild huff, "Great, so you're basically saying Erin and I are behaving like little children now?"

The Blue Ranger shrugged with a grin and turned toward some paperwork on his desk, "Hey, you said it Catalano. Not me."

Before the girls could squabble any more, the three Rangers heard their morphers sound. For the time being, they were glad to take their mind off this petty issue and blow off their steam on something more productive.

A short while later, the other Rangers all assembled in the base's central command tower and made their way into General Caldwell's large briefing room which was adjoined to the Operations floor. There they found Caldwell looking out the large windows overlooking the ocean while Martin sat at the table paging through a recent intelligence report. Across from him sat Lucy who was also busy going over some labwork on a datapad.

The older general turned and greeted the other Rangers with his usual brisk, but kindly smile, "Rangers. Thanks for coming. Please be seated."

The squad settled in as Caldwell took his place at the head of the table. "Everyone, I've called you here to discuss something very important. What I'm about to say does not leave this room. Is that clear?"

Everyone nodded before a holographic display appeared over the table. It looked to be schematics of large technologically advanced war machines. As the Rangers took a moment to marvel at the sleek vehicles, Caldwell cleared his throat, "These are some general schematics of a new top secret weapon system that the UNAF has been working on. This project has been going on for several years and has been a collaborative effort of several major world powers. Thanks to their funding, research, and materiel, the project is nearing completion."

Lucy gave a pleased smile while Bharata asked aloud, "General… what is it exactly?"

Caldwell couldn't help but smile himself, "Rangers, these vehicles have been given the designation of Mecha-zords."

"Mecha-zords?" Erin asked as she continued to stare in wonder.

Lucy rose from her seat and took over controlling the holographic display, "Mechanized- Zero Option Robotic Defenses. Each vehicle is a large combat vehicle in its own right, but we've adapted Adventi technology to take it a step further. We've developed a means to fuse the individual craft into a larger fighting machine when necessary."

Erik gave a low whistle watching an animation of the vehicles combine together into a colossal battle droid, "Very impressive. I take it these craft are going to be used to take it to the Xeno-Machina?"

Martin nodded as the display changed again, "That's right Erik. In the prior invasion of Earth, the Xenos had fielded a small number of robotic titans much like the mecha-zord here. Those titans caused massive destruction and served as a warning that we needed to step up our defensive capabilities as well. Now that the Xenos have come with a whole battle fleet around the moon, we need to be ready in case they decide to deploy any more of those on our surface."

Caldwell paced the room, "The UNAF naval base that you had defended in Thailand recently had been involved in working on the zord project and shipping over some supplies. Right now, the project is secretly being finished in the city of Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates. This is where Nova Squad comes in again. I will need you to personally deliver one of the last critical project components to a top scientist working on the project."

Lucy nodded, "Dr. Igncacio Rizal had been a longtime friend of my father and they worked together on several of these projects. He's currently involved in perfecting a stable reactor core for the Mecha-zord's power source. In order for him to finish, he'll need some special isotopes that we've been synthesizing in our lab."

"Well… the mission seems simple enough," Erik shrugged, "We're just dropping off the goods and babysitting some scientists for a few days."

Martin leaned back in his seat, "How would you like to take the reins on this one Lieutenant?"

The Blue Ranger balked, "What? Are you serious? You actually want me to lead the squad on a field mission?"

"Why not?" Martin shrugged, "You've been doing a great job of managing things for me this week. Why not take the squad out and get some exercise in?"

"You said it yourself. This should be an easy routine assignment," Ella added to Erik with a hopeful smile.

He knew there was really nothing to worry about here. The thought of being the acting squad commander was very exciting, but also terrifying in a way. Taking care of the teams administrative tasks, filling out paperwork, and settling arguments was one thing, but being responsible for an actual field assignment was something else entirely. Even during his time with the German Air Force, his job as a team medic was always more of a close support role than as an active leader who issued orders or made judgment calls.

"You're really sure about this Martin?" Erik asked with slight hesitation.

The Red Ranger smiled, "I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't trust you Erik. I'm still going to be bogged down doing paperwork here but I think it should be fine, and Caldwell agrees too."

Erik looked to Caldwell and the older man nodded, "I think getting a little more experience in direct command would be good for you Lieutenant. Do you think you can handle this assignment?"

Erik looked to the rest of the team before giving a nod, "Yes sir. You can count on me."

Dim lights lit the corridors of the Xeno central mothership as Taldyr made his way toward the lifts which headed to the upper command decks of the ship. As the Eidolon soldier walked down the hall, he eyed some of the servitors who went about their maintenance tasks on the ship. The cybernetic automatons paid him no mind and the foot soldier warily passed by. After getting on the lift, Taldyr did one last quick inspection of his battle armor and wiped away a smudge on his breastplate. He took another look at his conical barbute helmet and tucked it under his shoulder.

Even as the lift continued to rise, Taldyr felt an uncomfortable feeling in his stomach. He ran through several theories in his head, but he could not for the life of him understand why Warmaster Hellspont and Commander Decimus would want to see a lowly soldier like him. When the lift stopped, Taldyr exited and headed down the hallway toward one of the command rooms where he was met with the intimidating figures of Hellspont and one of his sub commanders named Decimus.

Unlike the humanoid Warmaster encased in a suit of impressive power armor, Decimus was more machine than man. Commander Decimus had been an aggressive and bloodthirsty infantry commander who had been horribly maimed in battle long ago. Now, the subcommander was a heavy battle droid who appeared to resemble a cross between a mechanized walker and a heavily armed tank. At the center of the droid's bulky frame was what looked to be a sort of steel sarcophagus in which Decimus's organic remains lingered. As was common practice among the Xeno Machina, the mangled bodies of important warriors or commanders were sometimes recovered and allowed to continue their service as walking weapon-laden crypts until they were finally destroyed in battle.

Taldyr halted before the Warmaster, lowered his shaved head and saluted. "Sergeant Taldyr of Squad 13, reporting as ordered."

The Warmaster eyed the young Xeno soldier with an appraising look. In many ways, Taldyr was like all the other genetically modified human male soldiers who had been cloned to do battle for the Xeno cause. He had shaved dark hair and sharp but aesthetically pleasing features… a useless byproduct of the genetic process. Like the other Xeno foot soldiers, he had a slightly taller and stronger build than their average Terran enemies. Of course, there were separate segregated units of female Eidolons too, but that was something else entirely.

Hellspont paced the room thoughtfully, "I understand you were birthed from the fourth generation batch?"

"Yes sir. My company served in the battles around the Orion Cluster. We had also been deployed in the recent attack on the place the Terrans call, Russia."

The Warmaster continued his pacing, "I understand your company has suffered large numbers of casualties and your own squad's numbers have been greatly reduced."

"These Terrans of Earth have been… surprisingly formidable opponents, Warmaster."

Hellspont turned and fixed his eyes on the soldier, "Tell me Taldyr. Do you have any idea why I've summoned you here today?"

The Eidolon trooper screwed his features up and shook his head, "No sir. I do not."

The Warmaster gestured to his subordinate, "I called you here to reassign you to Commander Decimus. We're going to launch an important operation and I think you may be of use to him."

"Sir?"

Decimus spoke next, in a deep and intimidating robotic voice, "We've been doing some studies of our units and noticed some surprising things from the batch you were grown from. Some soldiers from your group have exhibited greater degrees of free independent thinking. The reason we created your kind was to try and counter the unpredictability of the Terrans."

"But we are stronger, faster, and more durable than them," Taldyr insisted, "We've been able to hold our own against those human soldiers of Earth."

"But you have been unable to decisively defeat them. The humans are free thinking, adaptable, and unpredictable. Having our soldiers unable to take the same initiative or adapt in battle has been a continuing problem," Hellspont replied. "That is where you come in. I believe that you and some of your fellow Eidolon brothers may be better suited to lead and exercise your judgment on the battlefield."

"You want me to lead a company?" Taldyr asked in shock.

"I want you to be my second officer," Decimus rumbled, "Congratulations Lieutenant."

The Eidolon stood in shock. After having been promoted and given a command in a major mission, he didn't know what to say. He simply nodded and gave a Xeno salute.

Hellspont turned and looked toward a display screen where his newest operation was being planned out, "Now… there is work to be done. One of our spy drones had recently uncovered a top secret weapon being developed by the Terrans. Your job will be to land in the Terran city of Dubai and locate their hidden base. You must destroy that weapon before it becomes operational."

Taldyr frowned, "How are we going to do that Warmaster? The humans have a strong line of orbital guns to keep us away."

"I will worry about that," Hellspont said while folding his hands behind him, "I want you and Commander Decimus to prepare your landing force. If you have to level every building and kill every Terran in that city to complete the task, then do it."

"As you command," Decimus boomed before lumbering his large frame out the doorway with his newest executive officer in tow.

Upon being teleported into the city of Dubai, Erik Dobermann and the rest of the Nova Rangers squinted from the bright glare of the sun above. They could all feel the oppressive heat of the desert air and took a moment to look around the bustling urban plaza around them. In many ways, the city was like an oasis in the hot dry deserts of the Middle East. The greenery of well manicured parks had been interspersed with attractive fountains while some modern skyscrapers and office buildings formed an impressive skyline. Lining the streets of the downtown area were luxury boutique stores and trendy high end restaurants and condos. At the very heart of the small city was its defining feature, the colossal futuristic glass tower Burj Khalifa. It reflected the bright glare of the desert sun and lit up the area around it like a giant column of light.

"Wow… this is going to be one great assignment," Ella remarked as she admired the palm trees and almost resort looking feel of the plaza they had been sent to.

The Rangers stopped and turned as a small group of armed UNAF soldiers walked forward escorting a late middle aged Filipino man in a light colored summer suit. The man adjusted his green tie and exposed his ID badge before greeting the Rangers with a smile, "Ah! Welcome to Dubai. You are the Nova Rangers from Atlantis?"

Erik stepped forward and shook the man's hand, "Yes sir. I'm Lieutenant Erik Doberman and this is Nova Squad. You're Doctor Rizal?"

The well dressed man smiled and nodded, "That's correct Lieutenant. Thank you for coming. I was told that you came here with a delivery?"

Erik nodded and gestured to Bharata who removed a large silver canister from his rucksack. Erik took the container and handed it off to Dr. Rizal, "Here are the isotopes you needed for your projects, compliments of Dr. Lucy Beckett."

Mr. Rizal gave a warm smile, "Ah yes... I knew her father. He was a good friend of mine and a colleague I really admired. I think the last time I saw Lucy was during her father's funeral several years back. How is she?"

"She's well sir," Erik answered, "She's now the Chief of Engineering at Atlantis Base and she wanted us to send her regards."

Rizal gave a nod to the armed UNAF guards with him and moved to depart, "Thank you again for bringing this to us. If you'd like, I'd be happy to give you four a tour of our facilities and show you the progress of our project. I'm sure General Caldwell will be happier if we can get in a possible test run in the next few days."

"We look forward to it Doctor. Thank you," Erik said.

Rizal gestured to one of the guards, "I'm going to be headed back to the facility. Maybe one of you should show our guests to their accommodations?"

A sergeant gave a short nod and turned to Erik with a respectful salute, "I'll see you to your rooms sir. Please follow me."

After heading further downtown, the team was showed to a hotel where they were given special accommodations. While they still had to share two rooms between them, Erin and Ella didn't seem to be concerned with their prior argument of bunking together. The novelty of staying in an upscale hotel for the next few days seemed like a fair trade off. Not long after Erik and Bharata dropped their bags in their own room, the Green and Pink Ranger decided to spend the rest of the afternoon going sightseeing around town. As the city was located right on the coast of the Persian Gulf, the two were also eager to try and see if they could try and hit the beach and go parasailing.

Some time after they departed, Erik made his way by himself to a local bar nearby to relax and cool off. He found a trendy upscale watering hole with colorful vaguely Egyptian or Persian decor. The Blue Ranger found a corner table by himself and settled in taking a big satisfied gulp of a tall cold beer that he had ordered. "Mein Gott im Himmel, (My God in Heaven) they have a good German brew here."

While he sat and took in his surroundings, he let his mind wander and think about his temporary command right now. Again, he was probably psyching himself out more than he needed to be but he couldn't help but feel excited and nervous at the same time. Again, his thoughts drifted to his father and he wondered what his own dad would say if he knew Erik was supervising an operation. Would he be proud? Would he be critical? Would he even care?

As Erik took another sip, he felt a tap on the shoulder and turned in surprise when he was joined by the Yellow Ranger. Erin ambled over with a friendly smile, "Hey Erik, mind if I join you?"

He gestured to the open seat across from him, "Please."

Erin took a seat and gestured to a server who came by and delivered a drink she had ordered for herself. After she took a sip of the cocktail, she gave her friend a curious look, "Sorry, I didn't really feel like running around in the heat today with Bara and Ella. You came here to cool off too?"

Erik shrugged, "Kinda. I guess I just had a lot on my mind. Both Caldwell and Martin put me in charge here, so it's just kind of a new feeling having to be responsible and worrying about everything."

"Well, you did a good job dealing with Ella and my little spat yesterday."

Erik rolled his eyes and took a swig of beer, "That's not exactly the same thing."

Erin laughed, "Okay, but look around you Erik. Nothing bad is going on. The package was delivered and aside from going to look at this Mecha-zord, we're essentially on a three day pass in a glamorous city."

Erik leaned back thoughtfully, "All right. Fair enough... but I'm just thinking worst case scenario. If I'm going to be in charge for this assignment, I'm still going to need a second in command here... just in case."

"Are you nominating me for the position?" Erin snorted in amusement.

"Do you see any other Rangers here?" Erik retorted with a smile.

"Touche," Erin relented as she raised her cocktail glass in surrender.

"How about it Erin?" Erik asked, "I'd wager you're the brainiest one among us... plus you probably know how to speak enough Arabic to get around here. It'd be a big asset."

"Sure. Why not? But if you're going to go the route of flattery, please feel free to keep going on a little more," Erin smiled.

Erik sighed and shook his head to himself again suddenly feeling a newfound respect for Martin and all the wisecracks he had to endure from their team.

After a companionable quiet settled at the table for a moment, Erin tilted her head slightly, "Okay, to be serious for a moment, are you sure everything is okay? When I came over, you seemed really preoccupied with something."

Erik frowned slightly debating if he wanted to make any comments about his own father. Ultimately he decided against it and shook his head, "Thanks Erin, but I'm fine. Don't worry about it."

"All right," the Yellow Ranger said thoughtfully as she continued to people-watch. "In that case, I was going to make a suggestion."

"Oh?"

Erin nodded, "What do you say we go do some recon and get a lay of the land? I can practice my Arabic and we can find a good place to get some grub today."

Erik simply smiled and decided that he did make a good choice for his new XO after all.