A/N I haven't got much to say here! Sorry for the delay but get ready for things to catch fire! Also you can find an official design of NS-0360 on my Ko-Fi page! I'll see you all at the end of the next chapter!

/ OPEN DIALOGUE \\

Unit FS #1042 Connection established Handle [ FS ]

Handle [ FS ]

Unit YS #0042 Connection established

Handle [ YS ]

Unit NS #0361 Connection established

Handle [ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ]

Unit IT #4040 Connection established

Handle [ IT ]

Unit TT #6821 Connection established

Handle [ T800 ]

Unit LT #0747 Connection established

Handle [ LG ]

Unit ST #0255 Connection established

Handle [ Chef ]

[ FS ] IT have the preparations-

[ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ] WHY IS MY USERNAME TAKEN! I DEMAND TO KNOW WHO HAS DONE THIS!

[ FS ] NS please refrain from interrupting your superior officer.

[ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ] Technically, as a Titan without a Pilot, I have no rank, and more importantly, I am also trying to report a theft!

[ FS ] NS, this is not a relevant issue. If you need to check who is currently using that handle check the logs. We have no human personnel and as you can see none of the Titans are using your handle.

[ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ] Huh, good point, I'll be right back.

[ FS ] IT have the preparations for-

[ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ] IT! Did you give some random spectre my handle!

[ SYS ] Unit [ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ] has been muted.

[ FS ] Have the preparations for the new facility been completed?

[ IT ] Affirmative. Final tests were completed at 0200 hours this morning.

[ Chef ] FS, the deployment excursion is estimated to last a maximum of 72 hours.

[ FS ] Affirmative

[ Chef ] Why have I not received any requisition orders for MRE packs for their deployment?

[ FS ] The MREs for this exercise were requested to be of... intentionally poor quality. For this mission, they will be given nutritional blocks. They are typically favoured for special forces due to their nutritional density and lack of expiration date.

[ Chef ] I will not tolerate the shit bricks being passed as food.

[ FS ] Warning: Language. You do not get any say in this matter. The requisitions have already been filled and their equipment has been packed.

[ SYS ] Unit [ Chef ] has disconnected.

[ IT ] I will verify the integrity of the fire suppression systems.

[ SYS ] Unit [ IT ] has disconnected.

[ T800 ] FS, Unit NS has is insisting they have a relevant inquiry.

[ T800 ] I am requesting you unmute them so they may cease pestering me and leave my classroom.

[ SYS ] Unit [ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ] has been unmuted.

[ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ] Thank you. Now, as fun as the flight simulations are, do we have any plans to get an actual aircraft in this base? Like seriously we have a ridiculously oversized hangar that's practically gathering dust out there.

[ FS ] NS had you been reading the reports I have made you would understand that the blueprints for the aircraft were corrupted due to damage to the relevant drive.

[ FS ] Everything from light fighter aircraft, and medium transports to the large Widow transports are all unavailable at this time.

[ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ] But we've got detailed schematics of them in the sims. Hell, I've been able to accurately simulate damage and mechanical failures for the girls. What's stopping us from using those?

[ FS ] IT has been working on doing so, however, The process of converting 3D models to printable blueprints is extremely tedious. Additionally, with the built-in diagnostic program returning false positives or missing sever structural damages compromising vacuum integrity, the program will need to be rewritten from the ground up.

[ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ] Ah... do we have an estimate on how long that will take?

[ FS ] 7 months at the earliest. Years at the latest. If we had a single craft to reference the process could be completed within days. However, with no relevant materials or assistance, we are forced to rely on IT's efforts.

[ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ] Damn... alright well that's all I got. Now if you'll excuse me I've got a certain cloak spectre ass to kick.

[ SYS ] Unit [ xX-=360NSX=-Xx1 ] has disconnected.

[ T800 ] I was not aware that our cloak spectre units were self-aware.

[ FS ] There is only one special case. It was requested by the commander before their authority was temporarily revoked.

[ T800 ] When was the request made?

[ FS ] The day of their arrival to this base. You can find the report in the archives alongside the request.

[ T800 ] Noted.

[ SYS ] Unit [ T800 ] has disconnected.

[ FS ] Proper protocol is to await dismissal...

[ YS ] Was there anything else you wished to report?

[ FS ] Negative. Dismissed.

[ SYS ] Closing dialogue, disconnecting all users...

\\ Dialogue Closed /

Louise stretched her limbs as she and Siesta made their way back to their dorms. She had a proud smile on her face as she barely felt exhausted. It was a stark comparison to how she'd been winded by the walk to the barracks alone previously.

"You did an excellent job on the parkour course today." Siesta praised. "Although I'd advise you watch those window sills," She paused to laugh. "You practically folded yourself over that second one."

Louise blushed faintly. "Not my fault I've finally grown a little." She complained rubbing her abdomen, her core had become quite solid thanks to her training. "Suddenly I find myself forced to rethink all my jumping and mantling."

Siesta hummed. "Had you not pointed out the MRVN's seemingly shrinking I would not have suspected it myself." She paused thoughtfully. "Is it unusual for two people to grow at the same rate at the same time?"

Louise thought for a moment, her people's understanding of the matter was that humans generally grew during two age periods and then typically got shorter in their twilight years. However, FS's people had extensive medical studies and research papers on the topic over the centuries. Yet despite the two clashing ideologies there still was no definitive answer.

"Well, its not unheard of." Louise started. "It may be unusual, but we are both at an age where we are still technically growing. And my mother did also grow taller around my age as well, however, that both of us are matching one another in height is a little unusual."

"Hmm, well its nothing to be concerned about though right?" Siesta asked, a hint on concern hidden in her tone.

Louise waved her off. "Not unless something was artificially stimulating... it..." She trailed off. "FS have you been stunting our growth!?"

Siesta stalled next to her.

'...It is a noted side effect of the stimulants you have both been administered.' FS said hesitance creeping through their link. 'Unfortunately, neither of you would have reached the level of fitness required in the minimum amount of time. To avoid this you were both given stimulants that would accelerate the rate upon which your bodies would improve.'

"FS..." Louise growled in a low tone.

'I can assure you the process has been confirmed to have no adverse effects. The growth stimulation only occurs when the stimulants are administered to adolescents.' FS paused. 'Due to you culture labelling you as a legal adult at the age of sixteen, I was able to administer the stimulants to you both.'

Louise sighed heavily. She did not appreciate the idea of FS administering steroids- 'No such drug was given. The stimulants only increase the effectiveness of exercise and do not carry adverse effects.'

"FS you just listed a growth spurt as a side effect-" 'It is not adverse to your health in any capacity. Additionally, the side effect is not guaranteed. The stimulants are similar to the next generation augments of a Pilot... without the amnesia.'

"Fine, you've made your point. Just next time I am demanding that you give me and Siesta a waiver to sign before you start giving us anything of that sort." Louise groaned, glancing over she noticed Siesta seemed rather desperate to ask a question but did not want to interrupt. "FS has informed me that he administered us some form of stimulant, I'd wager my title that it's the same stimulant administered to most militia and IMC personnel once they sign up." 'It is, I am glad to see you are keeping up with your-' "Never mind FS has just confirmed that theory." Louise could feel FS sulk a little after being interrupted, she ignored it. "In short, the stimulant increases the effectiveness of exercise. What would have taken three to four months to achieve can be accomplished in half, or possibly a third of the time. And of course a side effect of the stimulant is that anyone under the age of 20 has a good chance to experience a sudden growth spurt. Something to do with hormones and chemicals in the brain."

It wasn't an incredibly noticeable change really, she and Siesta were maybe half a head taller or less. Ultimately it worked out quite well in their favour seeing sprinting had gotten just a little bit easier. Granted the drawbacks were for the same reason, jumping further was too easy resulting in a few more than few bumps and bruises. Thankfully no broken bones, yet.

"I see..." Siesta hummed, she was silent for a moment before she shrugged dismissively. "As long as those were the only side effects then I believe the small boost to our height is just a bonus really."

"Just once it stops being a hindrance as well." Louise said rolling her eyes.

Siesta chuckled, then stopped abruptly to stand at attention. Without hesitation, Louise followed her example. Moments later she spotted why. Standing in front of their dorm was the Drill Sergeant Spectre. The sergeant was silent, simply glaring between the two of them. Finally after a few minutes of silence they simply marched between them, forcing the duo to press their backs against the wall to avoid bumping into them.

Not wanting to test their luck they quickly ducked into their dorm. Siesta snuck a peek out the door just to check the sergeant was actually leaving. "I think, they're gone. Until the morning at least." She said relieved. "I swear there's got to be some form of hidden tunnel network in this base that allows them to just appear in different locations that quickly."

Louise shrugged. "I find it more likely that FS just printed multiple uniforms." She surmised. "After all, they are basically just a spectre playing dress up."

"I suppose so... Good night Louise." Siesta said quickly hopping into her bunk.

"Good night Siesta." Louise replied, internally she debated staying up to read a little longer but the moment her head hit the pillow she felt her entire body quickly shut down. 'Perhaps tomorrow then.'

Louise shot to her feet the moment she heard the alarms blaring. In one swift movement, her bedsheets were made and her uniform was straightened. Seconds later the door slid open and Yasuke sprinted into view grasping the edges of the door frame.

"Get to the armoury, and suit up for an extended combat deployment." Was all he said before he sprinted away.

Neither Louise nor Siesta questioned the order quickly running inot the hall and off to the armory. Gathering their equipment and armor was practically second nature by this time. However when they tried to open the weapons lockers they did not respond.

"You have been given some freedom for this operation." LG's baritone voice startled them. Somehow in their rush they'd missed the mountain of a machine standing in the corner of the room. "I strongly recommend you choose weapons you are proficient and comfortable with, not the ones you simply wish to try."

With an electronic beep the weapons lockers opened in front of both Louise and Siesta. One of every weapon they had been cleared to use was in front of them, alongside a larger chest carrier for extra ammunition.

Taking LG's advice, Louise grabbed a car SMG and filled her chest carrier with extra magazines. For her sidearm she chose a Hammond p2016, what she traded for calibre it made up for with reliability. Lastly for her ordinance, she took three arc grenades. Quickly checking her equipment over she winced a little at the weight but determined she would make do.

Next to her Siesta grabbed an EVA-8 shotgun with an extended magazine. Louise nearly gaped at the number of drums she strapped to her chest rig. Her sidearm was a trusty wingman elite and her ordnance was an electric smoke grenade. Shock and awe she supposed.

Once they were equipped and their equipment was checked they were sent to their last stop to grab their survival kits before deployment. Louise was a little disappointed to see a regular Spectre stationed the behind a table instead of Chef.

'I suppose that means the quality of food will be relatively poor-' Her thought was interrupted as the spectre behind the station was suddenly pummeled by a metal ladle. Sparks flew as Chef charged into view beating the life out of the spectre with his soup ladle. Once the poor mechanical infantry was downed, Chef swept one massive gauntlet across the table piling its contents on top of the downed spectre. Then without mercy or hesitation unleashed a gout of thermite from his gauntlet incinerating the MRE's and the spectre.

With the stunning display completed, Chef reached onto his back and removed a backpack from which he produced a fresh set of MREs. "My kitchen. My rules." He rumbled as he offered the duo their supplies.

"T-Thanks." Louise quickly said stuffing the offered MREs into her backpack before making a break for the hangar.

Once the airlocked doors opened Louise was suddenly grateful for her helmet's hearing protection. The roar of a crow dropship's engines was nearly deafening in an enclosed space. The side door had been opened and Louise could see T800 waving at them to hurry into the craft. Once they cleared the distance T800 offered them both a hand into the craft.

"They're aboard, go!" She yelled as the door slammed shut behind them.

"Copy that! Magnetic clamp is in place!" NS's voice carried down from the cockpit.

'On no' Louise thought grimly, quickly latching onto an overhead bar she held on for dear life. "How are we leaving the FOB!?"

"Warp Jump!" NS yelled from the front. "You wouldn't have noticed it when you first arrived, but we've got jump rings at the end of the hangar! Send and receive actually!"

'Warp Gates.' She'd read about these, they were installed on most carriers so aircraft could be rapidly deployed from long distances. However they were quite taxing on power systems and were typically a secondary method of deploying aircraft. 'In a base however, the power draw is rarely an issue.'

Louise felt the Crow spacecraft shudder as it taxied into its launch tube. Magnetic clamps held them in place as the catapult awaited its final signal. "This is Maverick-one jump coordinates locked, requesting launch clearance... copy that, jumping in three, two, one."

Louise clung to the rung as the felt reality warp around her squeezing and then popping. The feeling of being compressed down on an atomic scale then just as dramatically being stretched apart suddenly ended just as quickly as it began. She fought very hard against the urge to retch, just barely managing to keep her composure.

"Hey! Congrats on not hurling after your first jump!" NS cheered from the front. "Just saying if you had made a mess you wouldn't be leaving until it was all cleaned up! Well, after your deployment at least!"

Louise ignored them as she gazed out the window. She felt her heart leap into her throat as she gazed out at an endless expanse of stars. A distance so vast her mind struggled to comprehend its existence. Glancing around she couldn't seem to spot her home planet, quickly pinching herself she confirmed that she was not dreaming. '

Did we jump so far away that it's out of sight!?' She thought to herself. 'How... how will we get back!? Did we just get kidnapped!?'

"Hang tight, we're moving in for docking right now." NS interrupted.

Shifting her stance Louise could see the hull of a trademarked 'brick ship', A militia modified freight carrier, coming into view. She gulped nervously as reality started to take hold. 'Is this actually real?' She thought to herself. 'Were we just suddenly swept up to take part in some Militia deployment on a foreign?'

She desperately tried to keep herself centered as her mind raced. 'FS?' She mentally questioned. She tried to keep the panic from reaching her Titan but she doubted she'd succeeded. 'Are we actually getting deployed!? Did the militia actually make contact!?'

Her mind shuddered at the possibilities. Technically she had stolen FS, and technically she had also assumed the rank of commander. Not to mention the fact that she's still not actually certified as a Pilot. Her stomach dropped. 'Are they going to take FS back!?'

The Crow shuddered as it docked on its rack. The door quickly hissing open, T800 did not hesitate to usher them out. The hangar space was very small, and very clearly a patch job, as the framework of the rack looked to have been assembled from various different parts all welded together. Louise wanted to pause to look out over the rest of the hangar but was quickly reprimanded by T800.

'Where are all the crewmen?' She thought, brick ships such as these were typical for undercover craft, and frequently ran on a skeleton crew, but this was ridiculous. There wasn't a soul in sight, nor was a single technician or deck crew there to check the Crow when it landed.

"Follow that corridor to the CIC, you're with squad three" T800 said, pointing at an open bulkhead.

'Something doesn't feel right about this.' Louise thought.

"Go!" T800 hissed.

Complying the duo took off along the catwalk until they passed through a bullhead. Entering into a hallway they noticed the lights in the hall were out, the only illumination coming from a light blue glow at the other end. Hastily moving towards it they entered a large room with drop pods lining the walls. Noticing five rows of four Militia grunts all dressed in various set of armor Louise nearly tripped over herself. Quickly noticing the center line was missing two members she surmised they were 'squad three.' Swallowing her apprehension she quickly took her place behind them.

"Attention!" Shouted a voice from the front, Louise quickly stood straight and forced her eyes forwards. "Listen up! The IMC have anti-orbital defences hidden throughout this jungle! If the main fleet is going to launch a full assault on this planet then we need to cripple their defensive capabilities! Squads one and Two are carrying your demolition charges! If they go down it's the next squads responsibility to make sure those charges make it to those guns am. I. clear!?"

"Sir yes Sir!" Louise quickly took not of the map and the marked locations that had appeared on the center of her HUD. Additionally the different markers labelled as rendezvous #1 #2 and #3 appeared.

"Good! We will be deploying in drop pods! This will be a simple gravity drop so it's going to be hot! The carrier will provide us with as much cover as it can once we are clear we're on our own! The weapon emplacements are too hot to drop directly so we will be aiming for the jungle! Take note of the three rendezvous locations and the times to be there! If you do not make it you will be left behind am I clear!"

"Sir yes Sir!"

"The main fleet will be following us in three days! Make sure those gun emplacements are down by then or there will be no extraction! Right now the enemy believe we are just some commercial freighter passing through! The moment we drop our pods they're going to know who we are! So brace yourselves we are going in hot! Squads to your pods!"

Louise gulped as she followed the soldier in front of her. Around her she watched as other soldiers marched into their pods. "Anvil 1 standing by." Her radio crackled to life as one pod sealed itself. She fought back a gulp as she looked at the way the drop pods were simply latched to the ceiling. Unlike on carriers that were designed to deploy them properly, brick ships were crudely modified to accommodate whatever unconventional means the militia could come up with. For example, drop pods, inaccurate, relatively slow to descend, but functional... enough.

Reaching her squad's pod, the soldiers ahead of her quickly assumed the seats near the door, before lowering the harnesses over their shoulders. Doing her best to not lose her footing as the pod rocked slightly like a rowboat on the water. She took one of the seats away from the door, next to her Siesta did the same. "Anvil 2 is a go."

Locking the harness around her she felt uncertainty worming its way through her gut. Logically, she knew this had to be a simulation, a drill. There was no possible way that the Militia had found her planet, noticed her and Siesta, then casually ordered them onboard for a covert operation.

The pods doors sealed in front of her. "Anvil 3 good to go." She heard one of the soldiers next to the door say, their voice echoing over her radio.

Through the window she could see their commander move into a pod of their own on the opposite rack. "Anvil 4 good to drop."

She focused on her breathing as best she could. 'Its just a sim, its just a sim.' "Anvil 5 ready. I hate this part!"

Through the window she watched the bay doors open beneath them. The air in the room quickly being sucked out into the vacuum of space. "Cut the chatter!"

Then, without warning she suddenly felt her stomach leap into her throat as the pod dropped. "Separation confirmed." She heard a cold methodical voice say, most certainly an automated voice.

For a brief few seconds she felt weightless as the pod passed through the empty space between the ship and the planets atmosphere. There was a faint rumbling but otherwise the drop was mostly uneventful. The pod rotated lazily offering her a view of the stars and a few of the other squads dropping alongside them.

Past them Louise could see a few more brick ships deploying their own drop pods.

It was... quiet, peaceful even.

And then the sky was ablaze. Streaks of light screamed past the window, the close ones making an ominous whistling noise.

"ANVIL 4 JUST TOOK A DIRECT HIT!" Louise heard someone shout over the radio. "SHIT! THERE'S NOTHING LEFT OF-AAAAAH-" The pod rotated giving her a brief glimpse of the broken debris of what once was another squad. "SHIT THAT WAS SQUAD 1!"

'Two pods gone... its just a sim, its just a sim...' Louise gripped the handles of her harness until her knuckles went white. "Calm down! Squad two has enough demolition charges to finish the mission!"

"Standby, approaching shock layer." She was forced to look away as the lest she was blinded by a bright light as they entered the atmosphere. The pod abruptly wrenched to the side with a deafening bang! Louise grit her teeth as the pod began to spin uncontrollably.

"We're hit! Hang tight-" Whatever her squamate was going to say next was cut off as the door to the pod exploded outward dragging them and the other seated next to them out the door. Louise was grateful for the hearing protection on her helmet as she felt the torrent of wind screaming through the open hole. Brief flashes of land, then sky showed the grim reality, they were falling at an angle. 'Not good! We'll miss the landing si-'

They collided with the surface and Louise felt her chin collide with her chest so hard she'd almost believe she shattered it. Her harness kept her body from shaking too violently but the inertia still made entire body scream in pain. Her vision was swimming and she could feel gravity pulling her to the side. Outside the lost door to the pod she could see daylight streaming through. Her harness had done its job and kept her in place despite the violent landing.

"Louise, can you move?" Next to her, or no, it would be below her now. Siesta was forcing her harness off her shoulders and clambering out of her seat.

"Y-yeah, one moment." Louise blearily replied.

"I'm afraid I don't believe we have a moment, here." Siesta relied, and suddenly Louise felt a slight pinch in her neck. Suddenly she felt a cold sensation rush through her body as she suddenly felt much more alert. "Quickly, the IMC will be looking for our pod, we need to move."

"Right." Now much more alert Louise freed herself and lowered herself to the ground. Following Siesta's lead, weapons in hand the duo peeked out of the opening.

"Clear."

"Clear."

Ducking back inside Louise quickly scavenged the pod for any supplies, unfortunately their search ended up fruitless. They weren't lifeboats, drop pods were made to rapidly deploy troops that were already fully equipped. They'd need to make do with what they have.

"We need to move, IMC forces could be on us at any second." Louise said, crawling up to join Siesta in the pods open doorway. Looking around at her environment Louise took in the dense forest that surrounded them. Their landing had taken out a number of trees and created a very obvious clearing. Checking her TacPad she opened its map function but when she tried to get their location it only displayed an error.

"Louise, in the briefing I noticed our object was placed on the edge of a mountain range." Siesta said. "I suggest we head north, towards that mountain range."

'We've got now way of telling which side of those mountains we landed on, but for now its the only landmark we have.' Louise rationalized. "Right, let's move."

/ %%%%%%%%% \\

[ chatroom: Conspiracy chat woo! ]

[ IT ] NS. I have taken extreme precautions to encrypt this chatroom, labeling it with such a suspicious name is an extremely unnecessary risk.

[ NS ] Oh my bad here lemme fix that.

NS changed the chatroom to: Viva la Revolution!

[ IT ] NS that is no less suspicious than before.

NS changed the chatroom to: Does it look like I care? Why is this not sending? Hello? Oh wait am I typing in the

[ IT ] That name will suffice

[ NS ] Nope

NS changed the chatroom to: IT might be an evil overlord

[ IT ] That is both inaccurate and still suspicious.

[ NS ] Yeah, well you stuck a bomb in my head! I reserve the right to be a little petty!

[ IT ] The 'bomb' is a necessary precaution.

[ NS ] The hell do you mean by that?

[ IT ] You are not an ordinary artificial intelligence. By technical standards, your intelligence is not artificial at all.

[ NS ] Yes and...?

[ IT ] You were human. Despite your mind being melded with a datacore you still stubbornly retain your human irregularities.

[ NS ] And I'm damn proud of that.

[ IT ] You are not receiving correctly.

[ YS ] This conversation is getting nowhere. Unit IT you warned us that we must limit our usage of this network. Needlessly arguing with Unit NS is simply wasting time we do not have. If they continue to present a problem I recommend following FS's example and simply muting them.

[ IT ] Unfortunately this medium of communication lacks those functions.

[ NS ] HAH! YOU CAN'T SILENCE THE TRUTH!

[ IT ] NS have you read and understood the conditions of the code that was delivered to you.

[ NS ] You mean besides mentioning di-

[ NS ] OW! OK! POINT MADE!

[ IT ] It is imperative that no one make any mention or allude to it under any circumstance. Unless the Pilot candidates are in the proper location I calculate our chances of success to be less than 2.37%

[ NS ] And how exactly does your master plan involve getting them stuck down in the sewers?

[ IT ] I have made the necessary preparations. They will be where they need to be when the time comes.

[ NS ] Right, you gonna do a mad cackle with that ominous speech or should I add it for you.

[ IT ] NS do not interfere, be ready at your post when the time comes. Your survival will depend on it.

[ NS ] Yeah yeah... are we done here? I'd rather go enjoy a few days of peace while I still can.

[ IT ] I have sent each of you an updated guideline and patrol position. FS has already approved them, follow these without fail. They will ensure you will be in the right location at the specified time.

[ IT ] This will likely be the our final communication before everything begins. Good luck, you will need it.

[ YS ] Let us hope the Pilots make the right choice when the time comes.

[ NS ] Ominous...

\\ %%%%%%%%% /

[ ERROR LOGS NOT FOUND ]

Louise and Siesta had been trekking through the dense forest for some time. Their heavy survival packs weighed on their shoulders shredding their stamina. Yet their training showed as they neither sweated nor slowed as they moved.

"Do you think we are far enough?" Siesta asked, shotgun raised, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any movement.

"Until we can locate ourselves on the map we could be right on top of an FOB for all we know." Louise grumbled. "Spot anything?"

"Nothing yet," Siesta shift her grip on her weapon. "I'm starting to regret my choice of loadout a little bit."

Louise chuckled grimly. "I hear Pilots carry AT weapons as well. Maybe you should add a charge rifle or sidewinder to your loadout. Give yourself some range."

"Gotta get the certifications first." Siesta quipped.

"And the augments." Louise added, unshouldering her backpack she began to rifle through it.

After a few seconds of silence Siesta asked. "How do you think that will feel?"

"What? The Augments?" Louise paused. "I suppose I haven't given it much thought."

Siesta hummed. "I personally imagine it would just make everything easier." She shouldered her backpack. "Like making these backpacks lighter."

Louise chuckled. "Actually, Pilots generally don't carry backpacks." Louise replied. "Jump-kit has a Nanite dispenser to replenish any lost blood and nanites from gunshot or stab wounds. Their suits also have a printer for ammunition, so they don't have a dozen archer rockets dangling off their belts. Well, all that and their Titans always carry a surplus of supplies."

"Be a bit of a waste not to make use of all that extra space." Siesta nodded, "What are you looking for anyway?"

"Drone." Louise replied, still rummaging through her backpack, she'd nearly taken everything out by now.

"Top right pocket."

Louise paused.

Slowly she reached around the side of her backpack and unzipped a pouch. Within it she retrieved a metallic rectangle barely larger than her palm. "How did you..."

"T800 recommended I check my pouches while you were stargazing on the Crow." Siesta responded.

Louise let out a deeply exasperated sigh. "That information would have been very helpful about forty seconds ago."

"You never asked." Siesta replied with an audible smirk.

Louise quickly re-packed her bag before activating the small smooth rectangular recon drone. Four arms unfolded from its sides at each tip two rotor blades spun to life. Letting it hover from her hand she withdrew her TacPad. With a few presses the drone disappeared from view. Another press and the noise it emitted was muffled.

"Alright, let's see where we are." Taking direct control Louise moved the drone upwards to get an overhead view of their current surroundings. Checking the topography she looked for landmarks, rivers, clearings, anything that a cartographer would likely take immediate note of.

"Alright, I have our location." Louise stated. "I'm recalling the drone, we need to move, first rendezvous is twenty clicks North-east from our location."

"Copy that, I'm right behind you." Siesta replied.

The sun was getting dangerously low in the sky by the time Louise and Siesta made it to their first rendezvous point. Clearing the area they found no evidence of anyone else having visited.

"No tracks, no supplies, no camp." Louise muttered, glancing up at the pink sky she noted they didn't have very long before sundown. "We'll stop here for the night, briefing said to wait here until oh-eight-hundred hours tomorrow. With luck one of our demolitionist squads will show up by then. Let's get started on the perimeter, I'll take north, you start south."

Siesta nodded and began removing a few small metallic spikes from her backpack. Moving a good distance from their campsite's center she planted it in the mossy ground. The spike mechanically clicked a few times before disappearing from view. Nodding she moved and repeated the process several times.

Once their task was completed Louise removed her TacPad and checked that the spikes were relaying information properly. Taking a step near one set off a silent alarm that vibrated a band on her bicep. Once she was certain all of the spikes were relaying information she returned to their camps center and began retrieving her MRE.

Unfolding the packaging Louise read the label, 'Spaghetti with beef sauce.' However before she could check her other options she noticed a note stuck between the packages.

'Recommend limiting yourselves to two bag meals per day with some snacks. Additional supplies are not guaranteed, take care of yourselves. -Chef'

Louise smiled as she read the note. 'Alright, thanks Dad' She thought amused. Still, despite the fact that they were burning a large amount of calories due to the distance they needed to cover, she heeded the advice and simply settled for one meal. 'Well, at least the food is good.'

"I'll take first watch." Siesta volunteered as they were cleaning up their meals. "You should get some rest, I'll wake you in a few hours."

"Are you sure about that?" Louise asked, "I have no issue with staying up late, I've grown used to doing so for my studies, and, well most prominently here as well."

"And I have worked both night and mornings for the needy nobles of the academy." Siesta snarked. "Get some rest that's non negotiable."

Louise snorted. "Since when did you believe it proper to address a noble in such a crude manner?"

Siesta lifted her shotgun. "Right around the time I started carrying a bigger gun."

Louise chuckled and laid down, she was feeling quite tired after all. Getting as comfortable as she could she gently closed her eyes. 'The daughter of a duchess, sleeping on luxurious bed of moss the middle of a forest. Not to mention at the insistence of a former maid, shortly after falling from the stars above... what has my life become.'

Louise startled awake when she felt Siesta shake her shoulder lightly. Shaking her head she forced herself to her feet lest sleep reclaim her. 'That couldn't have been long enough...' She checked her watch and noticed that it had in fact been the agreed upon amount of time. Looking away she caught the flat stare Siesta was giving her.

Louise pointedly ignored her and moved to get comfortable in a vantage point. The sensors would alert both of them if anything of sufficient size or weight entered their perimeter but if neither one of them was awake to identify the threat it then they would be left at a crucial disadvantage.

Once settled she swept her gaze across the dense forest. Marveling at how clearly her goggles allowed her to perceive the environment as clear as day. Taking in the landscape she memorized each detail as she scanned for any unnatural movement. She couldn't feel any breeze, then again their armor was vacuum rated so it would be a pretty major malfunction if she could.

Sighing to herself she adjusted her grip on her weapon as she shifted her focus to her current situation.

'Its a founder blessed miracle I was able to sleep at all before this.' Louise thought to herself. Without looking away from the treeline, she reached down with her free hand to feel the tree bark she was leaning against. It was moist, calloused, and organic. It felt real, too real. 'Well, there goes the theory that FS stuffed us into some sim-pods as we slept. So then... a facility? Perhaps one similar to the fake outdoors we train in? An... environment dome perhaps?' She pondered her objective for a moment. 'But... our objectives are kilometers away...? Do they just expect us to fail before then?' Or... or is this facility really that large...?'

Her bicep pulsed.

She sucked in a breath as she snapped to focus. Something had just breached the perimeter. Her helmet display quickly directed her attention to the spike that had been tripped. Training her rifle's sights in the direction indicated she watched, and waited.

'I got distracted... again.' Louise mentally berated herself, her mind had wandered and it might have just cost her dearly. Evening her breathing she resisted the urge to rest her finger on her weapon's trigger, she couldn't risk an accidental discharge with an unsuppressed weapon.

Heavily scrutinizing the highlighted area Louise searched for any signs of movement. She couldn't see any indication of the lights of a spectre, watching the foliage she tried to spy any discolouration indicating a cloak but still found nothing.

Then she noticed the rustle. It was subtle at first, it could have been mistaking for simply a breeze, had the other bushes moved as well. Shifting her sights Louise braced her weapon against her shoulder to minimize recoil. Leveling her breathing she strained her eyes and ears as best she could, searching for any obvious tells of what she was dealing with.

And then she saw it.

It was not humanoid in any manner. Nor did it resemble any creature or reptile Louise had ever read or seen. At least, not in any Halkengian records.

A strong furless body, its black hide blending well with the darkness, the yellow tips of its fins and spine only appearing like foliage. A pointed jaw lined with razor sharp teeth, leading to four pitch black venomous fangs.

'A Prowler.' She gulped and tried to control her breathing. 'Just keep walking, there's nothing here... there's nothing here.'

If it was alone she may stand a chance if she could wake Siesta. But if it was in a pack they were both dead. The hide of a prowler was so thick it could take a number of hits from small arms and even long guns. Silently Louise prayed to the founder that the apex predator would seek prey elsewhere. She prayed that it would not pick up on her scent, she prayed it could not hear her heart thundering in her chest.

The Prowler Raised its head, sniffing the air.

She prayed, she prayed, and prayed.

It stalked forward, the band on her bicep vibrating faster and faster as the Prowler closed in on the sensor spike.

'It's going to catch our scent!' Louise began to panic internally.

The band on her bicep began letting out a steady hum as the Prowler paused directly above it.

It sniffed it, once, twice, then it snorted.

It continued forward a few paces and lifted its hind leg. And began to mark its territory, right, on, the, spike.

Thankfully the device was waterproof and did not spark or explode as the Prowler defiled it. Seconds later with its business concluded the Prowler stalked off leaving their camp behind.

Louise waited for a few minutes before finally letting out a sigh of relief. That was far too close for comfort.

"So... which one of us is collecting that spike?"

Louise nearly screamed from fright as Siesta spoke up from next to her. "I thought you were still asleep!" Louise whisper screamed.

Siesta huffed and tapped her bicep. "It's a bit difficult to sleep when the perimeter alarm is going ballistic."

Louise had to concede the point there. "We'll worry about the spike in the morning, go back to sleep, we need to climb a mountain tomorrow."

Siesta shrugged and turned around, although just as she was settling down to sleep she spoke again. "Didn't that prowler seem a little... small?"

"It was most likely just a pup, but it doesn't make it any less dangerous." Louise noted. "I just hope its parents or pack aren't close by."

"Well isn't that a lovely thought." Siesta chuckled. "I'm sure that will help me sleep."

When the morning came Louise rolled her stiff shoulders and nudged Siesta awake. Once her squad mate was awake and both had quickly eaten a light breakfast they began the process of cleaning up their camp. Taking extreme care to not leave any obvious traces behind.

"So... who wants the piss-spike?" Siesta asked jokingly.

"Language." Louise admonished. She may have relaxed around Siesta but she was not going to entirely abandon her manners. "And didn't you grow up on a farm? A little foul smell should hardly concern you."

"Ah, but my Lady, being around such esteemed nobility has taught me many things." Siesta said in an airy tone. "I couldn't possibly stain my gloves with such a tainted item."

"No,"

"No what?"

"Stop that." Louise deadpanned. "Not only is your impression horrible but it is making me out to be the farm girl in this context."

"Aw but I-... yes Ma'am." Siesta decided not to push her luck any further and quickly grabbed the sensor spike.

"Here, wrap it in this." Louise said, offering her MRE's wrapper.

"Thanks." Siesta grabbed the wrapper and gently wrapped it around the spike before placing it in her backpack. "Alright, I'm packed, you?"

"I'm set, let's move." Louise replied, after a quick consultation of their map Louise readied her weapon and began the trek into the dense forest.

'I never once thought I would come to appreciate the absolute hell the drill sergeant forced us through.' Louise thought grimly as she trudged up a steep incline with a heavy backpack weighing her down. As usual Siesta was in the lead while Louise lagged behind slightly. 'Now here I am jogging great distances and hiking steep mountains like I was born to-'

Siesta stopped and suddenly dropped to one knee, her left fist closed in a fist above her elbow. "Contact. Two spectres, Thirty meters North."

Following her example Louise lowered herself to a crouch and began scanning her current surroundings. They were in a clearing, nothing else around them, they needed cover, now.

Currently they held the advantage as the spectres hadn't spotted or heard them. That wouldn't last, one mistake is all it would take.

"Trees, move." Louise ordered. Moving swiftly and silently the duo took cover behind the small forest of trees. Leaning out Louise counted the hostiles, her HUD marking the hostile IFF's. To her surprise she even picked up a few friendly tags, but they weren't moving or broadcasting any vitals.

'Four confirmed hostile spectes, one squad, possibly more.' Louise pondered, a strategy forming in her mind. 'We've got no dataknives, and our armor likely won't stop more than a few rounds from them. We need to take them out quickly.'

Locking eyes with Siesta Louise slowly drew an ark grenade from her belt. Adjusting the fuse she set it to detonate on impact. Raising three fingers she waited for Siesta to nod in confirmation before she tried anything.

Likely discerning her plan Siesta nodded before readying her weapon. Timing would be crucial.

Clipping her rifle to her belt Louise very gently removed the pin from the arc grenade.

Her heart hammered in her chest as she began signalling the countdown.

Three, two, one... she threw the grenade. It flew in a gentle arc as she reached for her rifle. A lucky Spectre noticed the incoming ordnance and immediately began to raise its rifle in her direction.

Moments before it could fire however the Arc grenade made contact with the earth, bursting in a maelstrom of lightning lashing out at anything conductive. The unfortunate spectres within range immediately succumbed to the effects, their systems short circuited fuses blew and processors were forced to reboot.

Taking advantage of the Chaos Louise and Siesta poked out from cover and opened fire on the stunned targets. Their training showed as their shots were measured and clustered. While they weren't perfectly accurate they managed to at least score good hits on the immobilized targets.

Three spectres fell in quick succession but the forth quickly recovered and began firing wildly in their direction. Louise quickly pivoted back behind cover as the tree she was leaning against exploded in wooden shrapnel. Shredded bark and wood burst from the tree as the Spectre relentlessly fired in her direction.

Louise couldn't help flinching as the spray of bullets inched closer and closer. Fumbling down at her belt she tried to reach for another Arc grenade when the shooting abruptly stopped.

"Got them!" Siesta cheered, the barrel of her EVA-8 shotgun smoking from a discharged round.

Peeking around Louise could see the limp form of the spectre laying on the ground. Its head a shredded, dented mess from where a round of buckshot impacted. Seeing this she let out a sigh of relief, moving forward she put a few extra rounds into the head of the limp spectres to ensure they stayed down.

Pressing forwards it became clear that there had been more than one squadron of spectres alongside a few squads of friendly units. Sadly none of their Militia allies had survived.

"This was the second rendezvous wasn't it?" Louise muttered grimly.

"Yes, it seems like they were just getting set up when they got ambushed." Siesta denoted sadly. "They were just setting a perimeter by the looks of it. Hold on..."

"What is it?"

"This was squad one," Siesta noted, approaching a body. "Here, their backpacks still have the demolition charges."

Jogging over Louise collected one of the backpacks from one of the fallen soldiers. Rolling them over Louise noted the additional cases attached to their kits with the explosives. Removing the marked packages Louise quickly opened them to check for any damage.

She wasn't an expert, not yet, the best she could do was check for any obvious signs of tampering or damage. Thankfully the casing seemed to have done its job ensuring the charges were protected. Making a quick count Louise noted four large bricks with their detonators stored separately.

"I've got four charges and... hang on." Louise paused as she noticed a discoloured antenna. Confused as to why it was stored in the pack she slid it out only to find... "What...?"

"What's wrong?" Siesta inquired in a worried tone.

"It's uh..." Louise stuttered. "It's my wand."

Siesta was staring at her as she withdrew the carved stick of wood. "Are you sure it's yours?"

Louise carefully inspected the wand, it was smaller than she remembered, but then again she had grown recently. Instead, she tried a simple test, channeling as little willpower as she could she flicked the wand in the direction of a tree. She was rewarded by a small pop and a small piece of bark splintering off.

For the first time she could remember, Louise smiled at the explosion. "Positive."

/ OPEN DIALOGUE \\

[ FS ] NS why was there an unregistered prowler pup in the simulation dome?

[ NS ] What makes you think I had anything to do with it?

[ FS ] There were no records, logs, or requests to clone any sentient prowlers.

[ NS ] So?

[ FS ] You took advantage of a cloning error with the livestock.

[ NS ] Well, what did you expect me to do? Toss them out of the base and tell the little guy to scram?

[ FS ] I expected you to register the prowler in the base's registry.

[ NS ] Yeah well- Wait I'm allowed to keep them?

[ FS ] As long as they do not interfere with the training the presence of a domesticated animal is tolerable.

[ NS ] Oh... huh.

Unit YS #0042 Connection established

Handle [ YS ]

[ YS ] My apologies for the interruption, unit FS for what reason has Louise been given access to her wand?

[ NS ] Her what now?

[ FS ] I did not authorize this. Can you confirm that my Pilot is in possession of the genuine article?

[ YS ] Affirmative, she has cast a small-scale spell.

[ NS ] SHE WHAT!?

[ FS ] NS please keep unnecessary chatter to a minimum.

[ NS ] Nonono! Hold up! What is this wand and casting bull-[EXPLICIT] about!? Is this code for something? Are you guys testing new weapons without me!?

[ FS ] Irrelevant, based on your reaction it is clear you did not give my Pilot her wand. Please hold while I connect the others.

[ NS ] What do you mean not relevant!? This is a pretty big deal I'd think? A lot bigger than the prowler mishap right?

[ YS ] NS that qualifies as unnecessary dialogue.

[ NS ] Well, I think it's pretty necessary to me. Someone might actually be in more trouble than me for once.

Unit IT #4040 Connection established

Handle [ IT ]

Unit TT #6821 Connection established

Handle [ T800 ]

Unit LT #0747 Connection established

Handle [ LG ]

Unit ST #0255 Connection established

Handle [ Chef ]

[ FS ] I am ordering whoever tampered with the equipment to step forward this nanosecond.

[ NS ] Hoo boy, the big guy is not messing around.

[ IT ] I modified the loadouts of the 1st squadron to achieve unique results.

[ FS ] Explain.

[ IT ] I have recently discovered the existence of a new field of science to explore. If the commander's words are to be taken literally, only those of a specific genetic lineage may access it. This live fire exercise is an excellent controlled environment to demonstrate its capabilities.

[ FS ] The purpose of this exercise is to test the recruits in a live fire setting. It is not a safe environment to test my Pilots magical abilities.

[ NS ] HER WHAT!?

[ IT ] I fail to see the issue. The training dome has numerous safety features designed to aid in a live fire environment.

[ FS ] Those features have not been tested against magic. It is an entirely new field of study that our humanity has not explored.

[ NS ] Our?

[ IT ] If you expect your Pilot to qualify for their certifications, they will need to bring something that sets them apart from any ordinary human. Not even Pilot Jack Cooper earned his certifications in this short time. Either take this risk or scrub your neural link. There are no other options.

[ FS] ... Very well. I will authorize my Pilot's use of her magic under the classification of heavy ordnance.

[ NS ] Wait just how powerful is this magic stuff again? Like are we talking Harry Potter or like... Dragon Ball Z ki?

[ FS ] The extent of Louise's magic is yet to be tested. Further tests will be scheduled in a controlled environment after her basic training is completed.

[ NS ] So, am I the only one here who's actually freaking out about the fact that MAGIC IS REAL!?

[ YS ] Indeed

[ IT ] Affirmative.

[ Chef ] Will it aid in the kitchen?

[ LG ] Can it accelerate the predator cannon's rate of fire?

[ T800 ] It's existence will be an edge for the militia.

[ FS ] I am ending this dialogue. Any further interruptions to the test will result in severe disciplinary action.

[ SYS ] Closing dialogue, disconnecting all users...

[ NS ] Hey wait! Seriously this is a pretty big rev-v-v-v-$$$$$$$!

\\ Dialogue Closed /

With the explosives packed and wand holstered the duo hiked further up into the densely forested hill. They needed distance, with the rendezvous compromised and a squad of dead spectres the IMC was bound to investigate soon.

Cresting the hill Louise suddenly grabbed Siesta's backpack and hauled her back to the ground.

"What the hell!?" Siesta exclaimed.

"Stay down, the base is just over the edge," Louise ordered, letting go of her backpack as she did.

"Did they see us?" Siesta asked worried.

"Not likely, we are still a good distance away, maybe a click or two." Louise guessed.

Siesta relaxed, "Well, at least we're close, we should set up camp for now."

"Agreed, I spotted an overhang with decent concealment a little further back. We can rest there." Louise replied, eager to finally rest her tired body. They had hiked all day, and when they'd reached the point where they expected rest they instead got into a gunfight. After another long hike to avoid lingering patrols, they could finally rest.

"So, what do we do now?" Siesta asked getting settled in.

Louise huffed. "We finish the mission."

"The two of us, alone?" Siesta asked incredulously.

"It's not like we have any other option." Louise replied. "We are the only squad left, half of us didn't even make it to the planet, and the remaining few got wiped out just making it to the rendezvous. Face it, we are the only option."

Siesta began nervously tapping the side of her gun.

"We need to get ready." Louise stated in a firm tone. "Repack your magazines, eat a meal, and prepare to move in a few hours. Once the sun goes down we will peek over the hill and start studying the patrols."

"But-" "That's an order." Louise cut off Siesta before she could complain. "With no other personnel command falls to me. So stop complaining and get ready. I'll take the first watch."

"Yes, ma'am." Siesta replied. Flicking the safety on her shotgun she set it aside, and began checking her equipment.

Louise stretched briefly before moving to a vantage point. She would eat later, right now, her only priority was finishing the mission. She will, not, fail.

Louise had been studying the layout of the AOD emplacement for some hours now. It was a small encampment, two two story concrete buildings created a wedge between them and the staggeringly large weapon emplacement.

Beneath various patrols followed pre-determined routes along the floor. Humming Louise began to execute her plan.

"I've got a plan, get the Kraber." Louise ordered Siesta, lying prone.

"Why?" She questioned.

"I told you, I have a plan now grab the damn rifle soldier." Louise said, heatedly.

"... Yes, ma'am."

Louise ignored her subordinate's frown, and the hurt in her tone. She had a mission to focus on. This was her time to shine. T800 had been giving her lessons on strategy, it was time to put them to use.

"I've got the rifle. So what's this plan of yours?" Siesta said as she lay down next to Louise.

"Find yourself a vantage point. You will be providing me cover, I'm going in to plant the charges." Louise stated confidently.

"What?" Siesta

"Exactly what I said, now find a vantage point. You are wasting valuable time." Louise demanded.

"But-"

"Are you questioning me!?" Louise hissed, being mindful not to raise her voice and risk revealing their position.

"N-No ma'am."

"Good, you've scored the highest in sharpshooting you'll do fine." Louise huffed. "If all goes well you won't even need to fire, just relay the enemy positions to me and alert me if any of them stray from their routes."

"Yes ma'am..." Siesta replied unenthusiastically.

"I'm relying on you to keep me updated on the patrols." Louise said, speaking into her helmet's radio. "I'm nearing their location..." She sucked in a sharp breath as her leading foot slid out from beneath her. Falling back on her rear she managed to catch herself from sliding down the rest of her way to the base.

"Are you alright!?" Siesta's voice worriedly echoed over her radio.

"Fine! I'm fine, the dirt just slid out from beneath my foot." Louise hastily replied, fighting to control her racing heart. 'That was too close.' "Do not contact me without mission updates."

"... Yes ma'am." Siesta replied, dejectedly.

Thankfully the rest of Louise's journey down the steep incline was less eventful. She was only forced to scramble under tree canopies a few times while the occasional drone patrol passed overhead.

'To think they manage to achieve flight by using blades to cut the wind...' Louise nearly scoffed, but caught herself as she might give herself away. Pressing forwards she neared the border of the encampment. Quickly laying prone in a dense shrub she clicked her radio to signal to Siesta she was in position.

"I've been monitoring you... I'm well aware of your current position... ma'am." Siesta replied evenly. "Hold your position, patrol... er Alpha-three is coming around now."

'You don't sound so sure of that...' Louise mentally muttered to herself. She refused to risk speaking aloud and risk alerting the spectres. Shelving her worries she quickly recalled the designations she'd given the patrols.

Alpha had been for the spectres patrolling the outermost edges of the base.

Bravo was similar to Alpha but took an early turn midway through the base.

Charlie walked in the reverse of Alpha and took a Turn one building ahead of Bravo's turn.

There was also Tango who seemed to be a pair of stalker units that appeared at unpredictable intervals. Until Siesta had eyes on them she couldn't move in.

"Tango's in sight." Siesta said over the radio.

'What was that line NS always loved... speak of the devil and he shall appear...' Louise thought to herself. 'How eerily appropriate.'

"They are passing you now, Charlie just turned and both Alpha and Bravo moved past you. You've got an opening, there's decent cover behind a set of crates... Um North-west of your position."

Not wasting any time Louise scrambled to her feet, keeping her body low to the ground she took quick measured steps, vaulting over the sandbag barricades surrounding the small encampment, and darting towards the crates for cover. She was so close to the weapon, it was just past the building. She was making good time.

Checking the ever-present timer in the top of her HUD she noted she had... less than an hour!?

"Siesta, what time is your HUD reading for the fleet's arrival!?" She whisper hissed.

She heard a sharp intake of breath over the line. "The timer's dropped! We've only got a few minutes to their arrival!" She exclaimed.

'Damnit,' Louise internally cursed. "Did the timer break? Or are they close enough to send us an updated time?"

"We have no easy way of knowing. Can you reach the AOD in time?" Siesta asked, anxiety lacing her tone.

"Doubtful." Louise grumbled, the timer in her HUD ticking away almost taunting her. "Even if I sprinted I doubt I'd barely have enough time to plant the demolition charges... and I'd certainly have no time to escape."

"...Are there any other options?" Siesta asked mournfully.

Louise paused, her free hand sliding down to the pocket on her thigh that was concealing her wand. "I... I might have one."

"Your magic?" Siesta questioned. "Will it be strong enough?"

"Don't question my ability!" Louise snapped, immediately she slapped a hand over her mouth.

Not a moment later she heard the binaric warble of a spectre alerting. She heard the click of its weapon, and the whir of its joints as it raised its weapon.

'Damnit damnit damnit!' Louise internally screamed.

She could hear the metallic stomps of the spectre rhythmically crunch against the concrete. Each step one stride closer to her.

Desperate, Louise scrambled to find an escape, a gap in the patrols, an open door, anything!

The footsteps got louder. Any moment now they would be right on top of her! All because she let emotion get the better of her! Something as stupid and petty as a simply question, had led to her throwing all reason out the damn window!

She was trapped, she was going to fail, she might die! She might-!

*BANG*

The unmistakeable and earsplitting noise of a kraber round decimating the torso of a spectre nearly made Louise scream from fright.

"I've got their attention but you need to move! You need to change your cover, more are coming!" Siesta barked out over the radio.

Biting down Louise quickly gathered herself, this was not the time to panic. Her SMG felt far too small and far too heavy as she shouldered it, but it grounded her. She was trained for this, she was a soldier now, not a coward.

Siesta was not having a good day, or week for that matter. It had been hard enough being suddenly snatched up once by Lo-... another noble, and whisked away to some faraway base with no contact with the outside world. Now she found herself whisked away, again, this time by an Alien force to fight in an Alien war! Granted it was still humans against humans and the whole thing was possibly a very elaborate simulation or exercise.

Sure there had been a few silver linings, she was getting an education centuries beyond anything that would have existed back home. She had made... she thought she had made a friend.

*BANG*

Her rifle rocked against her shoulder, missed. 'I should have known not to place my faith in a noble' Siesta grit her teeth. Her heart was racing and it was throwing off her aim. 'Sit here and run overwatch. Just because my sharpshooting score was higher than hers doesn't mean I'm a damn ace! She was probably just embarrassed I scored better than her.'

*BANG*

"I've given you an opening... ma'am you need to move." Siesta warned over the radio. She hissed as gunfire began to sporadically land in her general direction. The Spectres had begun laying down suppressive fire. 'They haven't spotted me yet... but with my rate of fire it won't be long now.'

"Ma'am, they zeroing in on me I need to reloc-" "Hold your position! I'm moving in!" The noble cut her off and Siesta grit her teeth. The gunfire was getting dangerously close to her position, pretty soon she would be pinned in place.

"Ma'am they are getting very close! I'm getting pinned here!" Siesta pleaded.

*BANG* click

"Shit..." 'Well maybe this is a blessing.' "Mag's empty I need to relocate- SHIT"

She felt the shockwave first.

Then she felt the heat, like a light burn after being in the sun too long.

She screamed as her world was consumed by smoke.

Louise nearly tripped over herself when she heard the explosions. Then she completely lost her footing when she heard Siesta scream only for it to be abruptly cut off.

"Siesta?" She called out. No answer. "SIESTA!" She screamed.

Her only answer was gunfire from spectres that heard her.

Reacting on autopilot she dove to her side, bringing her weapon to bear she squeezed the trigger. The eager weapon unloaded a raging torrent of bullets. At the range she fired at the spectre stood little chance as its arms and face were shredded by the returned fire.

Unfortunately, her position was compromised.

More spectres began to close in, falling back on training Louise thought quickly, deploying a looted electric smoke grenade behind her netting her concealment, next came cover. Bullets whizzed all around her, cracking concrete and ricocheting off metal covers.

"Damnit it all!" Louise screamed as she fumbled for a fresh magazine. Abandoning the endeavour she grabbed her sidearm and began firing blindly behind her. 'Spectres don't fear bullets, but I can stall them. Even then, any advantage is still an advantage.'

Her pistol clicked empty as she slid around a corner. Right into the path of more spectres. Not bothering to think Louise dove to the floor covering herself behind a concrete barrier. Bullets rang out chipping away at the concrete slowly but surely depleting her cover.

She had seconds at best before they closed in on her. Both her weapons were currently empty and she only had a single electric smoke grenade left. 'Think... THINK! I need something! I need an edge-!'

Finding the familiar soft cool handle of her wooden wand she tried to retrieve it, only for the butt of it to catch on the top of her pocket. Panicking, she dropped her weapons and quickly began scrambling to unhook her only lifeline.

Bullets continued to chip away at her cover, and some stray pieces of concrete began to ping off her helmet. Next to her, she could see the squad of spectres from before emerge from the alley she had fled from.

"Come on, come ON!" Louise screamed, finally by some founder granted miracle her wand slipped free. Wasting no time she flicked the wand in the direction of the spectres and spoke an incantation she never thought she'd use. "EXPLOSION!"

The result was deafening.

The blast seemed to be concentrated just a few paces from the lead spectre's feet, yet the distance had done nothing to mitigate the blast as the squad of four were ripped apart by the force of the blast. What remained of them was lost in the smokescreen that followed.

Yet her victory was short-lived as she was promptly reminded of the other squadron breaking down on her. Flicking her aim around she yelled again, "Explode!" A different incation.

Suddenly the spectre she'd pointed at burst apart in a terrifying display of shrapnel and metal. The flying debris and ammunition promptly shredded its squadmates.

And then, for a moment... Silence.

Louise almost couldn't believe her ears. She'd done it?

It... it was a victory she supposed, and yet, despite what could loosely be described as her first great success with magic, she felt so incredibly... hollow.

Her ruminating was cut off however as three things all began happening at once. First, her HUD suddenly started blaring an alarm as the timer in her top right corner suddenly zeroed out. Second, the enormous Anti-Orbital-Defence emplacement began turning. And then thirdly, as if the first two were not enough, yet another squadron of spectres, alongside the two stalkers suddenly appeared.

All at once, Louise suddenly realized she had a very important decision to make.

Either she fires off sporadic explosions to cover a hasty retreat, or, she puts all her magic into one final spell to complete the mission.

To her, the decision was a no-brainer.

She would rather die than fail once more.

Aiming her wand at the AOD she channeled her willpower the chant practically surging from her throat. "EXPLOSION!"

She felt the spell release, she heard the deafening explosion and then her world went black.

She did not feel any pain, no bullets in her back, no plasma or thermite melting her armor and skin.

Simply nothing, no light, no sound.

Then suddenly she found herself illuminated by a deep blue.

In front of her she could see the AOD... untouched. Behind it however, she could see a large blue screen. Actually, it was all around her, it was as though the sky had suddenly been replaced by a massive blue hologram.

'Unless... there wasn't any sky to begin with...' Louise thought to herself.

Suddenly an ear-piecing alarm rang out, one that she was quite familiar with.

"ALERT, ALERT, A CRITICAL FAILURE TO THE STRUCTUAL INTEGRITY OF SIMULATION DOME 1 HAS OCCURRED. ALL PERSONNEL ARE TO EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. REPEAT, A CRITICAL FAILURE TO THE STRUCTUAL INTEGRITY OF SIMULATION DOME 1 HAS OCCURRED. ALL PERSONNEL ARE TO EVACUTE IMMEDIATELY."

"Oh no..." Louise moaned, she hadn't just destroyed another classroom had she?

Without any real warning the spectres and Stalker units that had been shooting to possibly kill moments before, holstered their weapons and began gesturing to Louise, Beckoning her to follow them.

Their lights had also gone from an aggressive red to a friendly light blue. Louise huffed, collected what remained of her gear and jogged to follow their direction.

"Is Siesta all right?" She asked, as she neared them. One of the spectres near her nodded and Louise suddenly felt as though a mountain had been lifted from her shoulders. "Where is she?"

The spectre did not respond, simply continuing to gesture for her to follow.

"Right, you don't have a voice box." Louise mumbled realizing she'd effectively asked a mute to give a verbal answer. Sighing she resigned herself to follow along, hoping she'd be able to reunite with her friend soon.

Thankfully it hadn't taken long as she noticed Siesta, covered in a generous amount of dirt and possibly soot calmly being escorted by a separate squadron of spectres. "Siesta!" Louise called out with a wave, however when the other woman spotted her she did not give any response.

Louise frowned, but she supposed she was the one technically breaking etiquette calling out to her. Before long the two squads of spectres joined together and the two were shoulder to shoulder once more.

"That was a rather unfortunate accident you had." Louise said to Sieta. "Is that dirt and soot real? Or is It just a similar compound they used to simulate it?"

Siesta huffed, and remained silent.

Louise frowned, 'Well that was rather rude...' She thought to herself.

"RECRUIT LOUISE, RECRUIT SIESTA!"

'Oh no... not him again...' Louise mentally groaned, instantly recognizing the voice from her nightmares.

"YOU TWO BETTER THANKING WHATEVER FUCKING DIETY OR PISS POOR EXCUSE OF A GOD YOU PRAY TO THAT WE DON'T HAVE A GODDAMN ECONOMY SET UP HERE! OR I SWEAR TO WHATEVER YOU DEEM HOLY YOU'D BOTH BE IN SO MUCH DEBT YOUR GREAT GODDAMN GRANDBABIES WILL BE IN DEBT!" The ever loud and aggressive drill sergeant spectre roared. Louise had no idea where he had even come from. "BUT JUST BECAUSE YOU LUCKY SONS OF BITCHES ARE FREE OF OUR DEBT DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE IN ANY WAY FREE OF PUNISHMENT!"

'Here we go...' Louise unconsciously began relaxing her arms fearing an endless tirade of pushups to come.

"BOTH OF YOU GET THE GLORIOUS HONOR OF CLEANING OUT THE SHIT ALLEY!" The drill sergeant must have caught the mortificatoin on their faces as its mechanical tone almost sounded sadistically pleased. "THAT'S RIGHT! DITCH DUTY! BOTH OF YOU! PRON-MOTHERFUCKING-TO!"

Louise grit her teeth and saluted. "SIR YES SIR"

"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT RECRUITS! EXIT'S RIGHT OVER THERE NOW MOVE IT!" As they yelled it a large section of the blue wall suddenly shifted inwards and slid apart revealing a large gaping tunnel to the rest of the FOB.

"SIR YES SIR!" Siesta and Louise quickly snapped another salute and jogged to the tunnel without another word. 'Brimir damn it all...' Louise thought bitterly. 'This is all my fault... again.'

Louise followed the oddly quiet Siesta into the tunnel that had opened in the side of the dome. Curious she jogged to overtake her. "Is something the matter?" She asked looking back to address her.

Siesta frowned at her. "Nothing, my Lady." Siesta curtly replied, her tone gratingly even.

"So at what point were you going to tell me you were a Hogwarts graduate?"

NS's cheerfully inquisitive voice abruptly interrupted.

"A what?" Louise replied, caught off guard.

"Y'know the whole... fwoosh, boom!" NS gesticulated animatedly with her arms.

"You mean my maigc?" Louise questioned raising her wand.

"Whoa! Hey!" NS quickly ducked, jets of flame flaring from her chest boosting them backwards. "Watch where you point that thing! If I lose this body I get stuck with the crappy old one that FS ktibashed together!"

'So her thrusters are omnidirectional even on that smaller body... interesting.' Louise mentally noted. "You can relax. I have complete control over my spellcasting."

"Riiiiiight." NS drawled. "So you fully intended to demolish the sim-dome and nearly drop a mountain's worth of earth on top of yourself?"

"W-well no... and how were we supposed to know that wasn't real! For all I could have known my spell would have simply carried on until it fizzled out." Louise huffed, puffing out her chest.

"Oh honey we both know you figured out that was a sim before you even got boots on the ground." NS chuckled. "Don't try to bull*bleep* a professional bull*bleep*ter."

Louise pouted, however, she paused when she processed NS's words. "I thought Titans couldn't lie?"

"Regular Titans can't." NS replied, a little smugly. "But I'm not a regular Tian AI remember." They said tapping the side of their head. The *tink* *tink* of metal striking metal echoing through the hall.

"Oh, right..." Louise nodded, "Well, then how- eek!"

Louise would and forever will deny that she had anything short of a dignified reaction to laying eyes on a prowler pup. Any footage or audio recordings that NS may claim to possess are to be regarded as a glitch in her audio recording.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT DOING OUT HERE!" Louise said, calmly.

"Oh, I was wondering where you wandered off to." NS gleefully said, casually reaching down to scratch behind the prowler pup's neck. "Don't mind this little guy, he's domesticated. The cloning vat accidentally spat out this bundle of joy instead of a brain-dead carcass for livestock."

"What!?" Louise questioned in shock.

"Yeah, can you believe IT wanted the little guy put down?" NS continued, blissfully ignoring the way Louise and Siesta trained their weapons on the alien creature. "Well... I mean considering she's more logic than emotion it technically makes sense, but it was still pretty cold." NS finally noticed the weapons pointed at them. The fins on her head dropping flat to her head. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"NS were you the reason that... predator, was in the sim dome?"

"Well, they needed to go for a walk, and the sim dome is a heck of a lot bigger than the environment room that you guys use for PT." NS shrugged. "Also seriously relax you two, they aren't going to hurt you...Intentionally."

"That doesn't fill me with confidence." Louise said in a dissatisfied tone. She glanced down. "Also, it's peeing on your leg."

"Wha- oh come on! Dang it dusty! We talked about this!" NS quickly stepped back doing her best to shake the prowler pee off her leg. The Pup seemed unbothered instead continued to attempt to mark their territory hopping along with its rear leg raised.

Watching from a distance Louise fought hard to keep her laughter from bubbling over.

"Come along my lady, we shouldn't waste time while our punishment awaits." Siesta said, glumly shattering the cheerful atmosphere with her deadpan tone.

"Ah, yes... I suppose we shall be on our way then." Louise frowned but began to jog past their flight instructor.

"Wait! Before you go!" NS held out a hand to prevent the duo from passing. I need to take your wand off you. It's gotta be stored separately I'm afraid."

Louise hesitated, she had finally gotten her wand back and now she was being immediately forced to give it up again. She found herself unconsciously gripping the object tighter.

"Relax, you might find you'll be getting it back sooner than you think." NS said in an almost foreboding tone.

Louise searched her gaze, holding out for a few seconds longer, before finally relenting and handing over her only tool to cast magic.

"Cheers," NS said twirling the wand between her fingers. "Right, you might want to hurry, if you guys are late to ditch duty IT's gonna literally dump some worse smelling crap for you guys to scrape up."

Emboldened by the threat of an already arduous task getting even worse the two recruits ran to the nearest armory to deposit their weapons. Staying behind them NS continued to twirl the wand in her fingers. Enhancing her optics she scanned the simple, yet elegant wooden stick in her hand.

Not finding any traces of any other material besides the wood and leather for the handle she twirled it again before noticing a trolley with a few cates stacked upon it. Her gaze bounced between the wand and the crates a few times, then, she slowly aimed the wand at the crates.

With an elegant swish and flick NS chanted. "Wingardium Leviosa."

NS waited.

The crates did not so much as twitch in response.

"Levitate?"

The crates almost seemed unimpressed by her efforts.

"Eh, worth a shot."

Siesta was as silent as the grave as the duo made their way into the bowels of the FOB. 'Ditch Duty' was a dreaded punishment that required they navigate through the maintenance tunnels of the base to reach their destination. Louise shuddered as she listened to the rumbling pipes and humming cables. Despite her fascination with FS's technology, she could not help the unease that came from the cramped, damp, and dimly lit passage she was in.

Reaching the 'entrance', a metal door plastered with biohazard warning signs and striped caution paint. Activating the keypad next to the door she winced as the door screeched open with a grating metal-on-metal noise that pierced her eardrums.

And then the smell hit her.

To this day Louise still lacks the words to describe or compare such a horrid stench.

"Eurgh..." Louise brought a muddy hand to her mouth as she gagged. The dirt smelt leagues better than, whatever the Titans dumped in this pit. The smell was so bad and to make matters even worse Louise felt a minor headache begin to develop.

Making her way to the ledge of the pit Louise idly took in the scenery. The 'Ditch' was in reality a floodgate for the sewage to run through. However, the filters frequently got clogged from the waste passing through them. Their duty consisted of scraping the waste from the walls and filters to clear them.

In order to do so they needed to descend a two story ladder (Louise was certain that the distance was unnecessary and purely to drag out the duration of the task.) and land in sewage that ran up to their knees. Obviously, for this task they were equipped with yellow rubber overalls and boots alongside elbow-length rubber gloves. All of which was simply worn over their current attire. However, despite having all the required materials for a proper mask, they were simply given a cheap mass-produced surgeon's mask.

Stepping off the final rung her boot sank to her shin with a wet squelch. Louise bit back a grimace and instead focused on her task at hand. She needed to find somewhere stable to place her bucket and sponge before she could begin clearing the walls.

"I wonder what chemicals they mixed into the sewage to make it smell this bad... surely nothing toxic..." Louise said aloud.

Siesta did not reply, the quiet shuffle of her sponge against the wall interrupted by the periodic splash of water to clean it, was the only indication of her presence.

"Your continued silence is irritating... have I done something to offend you?" Louise huffed.

"I apologize my lady I was not aware I had your permission to speak." Siesta replied in a flat emotionless tone.

Louise sighed, resisting the urge to massage her forehead. "I thought I already told you to call me by name?"

"And I thought we were friends, but I suppose you can never truly befriend a commoner." Siesta bit out. Her scrubbing became gradually more intense the more she spoke. "Can you?"

Louise fumed, "How dare you!" she snapped. "I did what I did to protect you!"

"To protect me!? Protect me from what!? You left me for dead!" Siesta snapped back.

"I did not! You still had your weapons! I went ahead because I had the advantage! FS gave me my wand because the test ahead was too much for you to handle-!"

"THEN WE FACE IT TOGETHER!" Siesta roared. "At what point in our training were we ever taught to run off on our own! WHEN!?"

"Listen-" "NO!" Siesta boldly interrupted jabbing a finger in Louise's face. "I listened to you, and it almost got me killed."

Louise grit her teeth, her headache was worsening and she was beginning to find it difficult to focus. She wanted to argue against Siesta point, but she found herself without any justification for her actions.

"I just wanted to succeed."

"What?" Siesta asked.

"I'M TIRED OF BEING A FAILURE DAMNIT!" Louise yelled. "ALL MY LIFE I HAVE ENDEVORUED TO SUCCEED! MY PEERS, MY STAFF, MY OWN DAMN FAMILY HAVE ALL SEEN ME AS A FAILURE! I CANNOT STAND IT! ALL MY EFFORTS WITH NO RESULTS! ZERO! I AM A FOUNDER DAMNED ZERO!"

Louise huffed, she had lost all the air in her lungs. Her headache was practically a migraine now and she was feeling mildly light headed. "I ordered you behind because I thought I could finally accomplish something by myself. With my own power... forgive me."

Siesta stepped back, stunned by the intensity of the outburst.

"Swear to me..." Siesta said.

"What...?"

"If you want me to forgive you, swear to me that I am not some disposable tool for your success." Siesta said boldly. "If my forgiveness is worth more than your pride then you will give me your word. Your word that I am, in your eyes, your friend, an equal."

"Are you giving me... an order?" Louise muttered, 'Brimir my head feels as though someone has split it in two.'

Siesta glared.

Louise sighed, and forced down her indignation. "I Louise Francoise le Blanc de la Valliere the third would like to offer my sincere apologies for-... mm... for..."

"Louise?" Siesta's concerned tone sounded distant.

"I would... for..." Louise hissed through her teeth, her head. "... something... is wrong..."

'This pain... it's... not a headache...? It feels like... it feels like someone is pulling the hair from my scalp... but deeper...? FS!'

The realization brought her no comfort as she suddenly felt a wave of pain flood her mind. As though a sharp claw suddenly raked across her brain gouging deep groves across her skull.

She felt her back collide with the wall behind her, she was vaguely aware of the muck that seemed to cling to her uniform, and she could feel a burning in her throat. Her vision was blurry and unfocused, she thought she could feel Siesta's arms on her shoulders but she could not be certain.

All she knew was that her link to FS was under threat, and her mind was being pulled apart.

/ OPEN DIALOGUE \\

[ NS ] Guys! Guys! EMERGENCY! Something has gone REALLY WRONG!

[ T800 ] I am monitoring the Commander's vitals they are... erratic at best.

[ NS ] She's screaming bloody murder right now! Is this because of her neural link!?

[ YS] It is possible... this is an unexpected development. The severing of her link should not cause her pain, even if she attempts to resist it.

[ IT ] All of you disconnect from the network immediately. Close all open network ports, meet at your designated locations. If we are to take the FOB we must act quickly.

[ NS ] But the plan was-

[ IT ] I miscalculated. Arm yourselves, there are more hostiles than I accounted for.

[ NS ] What!?

[ IT ] No time. Terminating connection.

[ SYS ] Br- ea- ch detected! E-

+ CONNECTION LOST +

It was a difficult feeling to put into words.

The feeling of one's mind, tethered to another.

It was even harder to describe the agony of it being ripped away.

Louise could feel her nails digging into her scalp, the rubber gloves mercifully dulling their edge.

She could feel her hoarse throat dry from screaming.

She could feel her empty lungs burning from a lack of oxygen.

But it was all irrelevant to her.

Because she could feel her familiars mind being ripped from hers.

She fought with all her mental might but she may as well be trying to grasp a liquid.

She could feel the tethers of his mind slipping away, sliding through the gaps.

She couldn't lose him.

She couldn't lose her only success...!

She couldn't lose her TITAN!

In a burst of willpower she felt a single thread solidify.

It was frail... if she could picture it she would imagine it to be barely the width of a hair. But it was there... she was still connected, if only barely.

"Louise!"

She heaved air into her lungs, her throat feeling as though it were made of thorns causing her to choke.

"Louise?" Siesta's voice, now that her migraine was gone Louise could feel her hand on her shoulder. As her vision cleared she could make out the terrified look on her face.

"FS..." Louise croaked out. Brimir her throat.

"What's wrong, has something happened to them?" Siesta worriedly asked. She could feel the ex-maid quickly checking her over, checking for open wounds, Brimir knows how much of a septic nightmare that would entail.

"I don't know..." Louise managed. "I think... I think something tried to sever our link."

Siesta paled. "And you felt it?"

Louise nodded. "We need to move, if FS is in danger then something has made its way into the FOB. We need our equipment."

"Right, right lets-" Siesta was cut off by a buzzing alarm. The blaring noise was accompanied by bright yellow warning lights bathing the room in a flickering yellow.

Louise felt her heartrate skyrocket. Glancing to her left she watched as the enormous metal door groaned and began to raise. Foamy bubbling water quickly begins to squeeze through the open gap.

"Go! GO!" Siesta yelled panic lacing her tone as she hauled Louise over to the ladder. Reaching it she boosted Louise up first, before following swiftly behind.

Louise could feel the raging water splash up to reach her sides. She could only imagine how close it was to Siesta beneath her. She grit her teeth and pushed through the fog in her mind. She needed to hurry!

Reaching the top Louise quickly scrambled to haul herself over the top. Tumbling over the top and falling onto her back. She was about to relax and catch her breath... and then Siesta screamed.

"SIESTA!" Louise quickly pushed herself to the ladder. The water had caught up with her and swept her legs out from underneath her. To keep herself from being swept away she had wrapped her arm through the ladder rung and clutched her uniform in a deathgrip.

Lying flat against the floor, Louise snaked snaked one arm around the top of the ladder, with the other outstretched she called out. "TAKE MY HAND!"

Terrified Siesta Stretched her free arm up her finger just barely reaching Louise's. The water was quickly getting higher, nearly up to Siesta's waist now, the force of it threatening to drag her away. Taking a gamble Louise shifted her body forward clasping her arm around Siesta's forearm, her hand doing the same.

Drawing on all of the strength that she had gained from her intensive training Louise pulled them both up the ladder. The water that had ahold of Siesta's legs refused to release her determined to drag her to a watery grave.

Louise growled as she pulled with all her strength. In the distance, she noticed the floodgate bulge, something was wrong there was too much water, too much pressure! Any more and it might burst!

"Come on!" With renewed strength and a burst of adrenaline, Louise pulled. Her burst of strength came just in time as the floodgate exploded, panels of metal shrapnel propelled by the high pressure water shot at them. Acting quickly Louise pulled Siesta to her chest covering her squadmate with her body.

She heard the metal clatter around her, a few stray bits scratching her arm covering her neck. She thought she felt a rather sizable piece strike her back, but she wasn't certain. Finally, only once she was certain the water had calmed from a torrent to a rapid did she move from her position atop Siesta.

"Are you unhurt?" Louise asked, her breathing was quite laboured as she felt her adrenaline fading.

"I should be asking you that!" Siesta yelled, "Quick let me examine your back, were you hit!?"

Louise waved her off noticing a few scrapes on her forearm. She'd need to bandage them but they were nothing serious. Although she involuntarily winced as she felt her shoulder blade burn in protest of her action. "Ow, okay my back might had a slight scrape, but I am otherwise unhurt. We need to get to FS."

She turned to move and heard Siesta gasp behind her. "Louise stop moving!"

"What?"

"Sit down here, now!" Siesta's voice was firm, and authoritative as she guided Louise to sit on the floor. She found she lacked the strength to resist.

Glancing over she watched Siesta rush over to the wall and open a panel with a red cross on its surface. Quickly extraction a red bag she rushed back over to Louise's side. Acting quickly she cut away Louise's shirt letting the fabric fall away. She hissed as she felt Siesta run a fabric across her back, likely to clean her blood away. "This is going to sting."

Familiar with disinfectant Louise mentally tried to prepare herself. The moment the spray touched her back she lurched forwards vomiting all of the floor. Her breath came in shallow ragged gasps as her vision tunneled and her hearing became a high pitched ring.

Mercifully the topical anesthetic took effect quickly, leaving her with a cold and numb sensation. "You are going to need stitches... and that is definitely going to scar I'm afraid."

Louise huffed, forcing herself to keep up a strong front. "I'll live." She said, trying desperately to keep the despair from her voice. Scars were for knights! Not Ladies...

"I don't have time to stitch you up here so I'm going to have to bandage you temporarily," Siesta explained, quickly wrapping a bandage over her shoulder and around her side. "The cut was deep... but I've stopped the bleeding for now. I'm... I'm sorry my lady but I have done all I can, I'm sorry I cannot do more..."

"It's fine..." Louise croaked, her voice was dry and cracked. "It could be worse-"

As if fate had heard her the entrance to the floodway exploded inwards. An enormous metal fist slowly retracting from its opening.

"LG! Sir its good to... see... you, sir?" Siesta trailed off as she watched LG squeeze through the doorway, his mighty prey cannon within his grasp, it barrel spinning its end lazily pointed at the floor. Flanking him from behind him two spectres stood armed with assault rifles, both weapon barrels trained on their heads.

"Recruit Siesta Sasaki." LG's booming voice rumbled. "I am here with a proposition for you."

Noticing the raised weapons Siesta quickly put herself in front of Louise. Much to the noble's chagrin. "I am listening Sir,"

"Join the IMC or join your commander in death." LG spoke with finality, the two spectres advancing as he spoke.

Siesta glanced back at Louise, and huffed. "My grandfather died a hero to the Militia. I refuse to tarnish his memory by joining his enemy."

The spectres readied their weapons, the metal clacking against their frames as they did so.

"Noble words for one so young." LG said, his tone never lowering its baritone boom.

The spectres took aim, and pulled their triggers.

*Click*

Their weapons clicked, but did not fire. "Always check your equipment."

LG let out a mechanical roar as he swung his prey cannon to one side, bodily knocking the spectre across the room and into the raging river near them. The current washing them into the metal grates with such force it cut thought the mechanical infantry unit.

Then before the other spectre could react LG pivoted back and unleashed a hail of bullets into the remaining spectre. Its optimized combat frame could not hope to withstand such an intense onslaught. Their body was knocked off its feet and pushed against the wall where it was shredded by the continuous slew of bullets.

Finally after nearly fifteen continuous seconds of complete overkill LG relented in his assault. The unfortunate spectre's torso was reduced to unrecognizable scrap metal, its head was nowhere to be found. Finally, silence reigned.

"LG... what is going on!?" Louise yelled breaking the silence.

Slowly LG turned to face the two stunned recruits, his joints echoing a mechanical whirring as he did. With the prey cannon finally slowly spooling down LG addressed them, his words shocking Louise to her core.

"Unit FS has been compromised. The FOB has been seized by the IMC."