Priority: Charlie Compound
-HQ Building, Fort Alnus-
1700 hours 17th May, 3001 Earth time.
The HQ was alive with activity, more chaotic than usual. Ava strode quickly through the bustling hallway, her boots clicking against the polished floor as she approached the war room. Two guards flanked the heavy doors, snapping crisp salutes as she entered.
The war room was vast, its design reminiscent of a starship's CIC. In its center, a large holographic ring projected vivid displays of data and maps, pulsing with the gravity of the mission at hand.
General Nguyen stood near the ring, his posture rigid, surrounded by four operatives in the signature GIA TAC suits and three other SIF commanders. Among them, Ava immediately recognized Commander René Laurent of the 9th SIF platoon. Her best friend since their grueling SIF training days, René had been by her side during some of the toughest operations of her career.
Ava approached swiftly, saluting the General before nodding to the other commanders. The urgency of her recall from a mission left no doubt this was critical.
"Commander," General Nguyen returned the salute. "Now that you're here, we can begin the briefing." He gestured toward one of the GIA operatives. "This is Special Agent Viktor Volkov from the GIA. He'll provide the details."
"Thank you, General." Viktor's voice was low and steady as he turned to the holographic map. The display zoomed in on four marked locations deep within rugged mountain ranges.
"The GIA has acquired intel from a reliable source regarding the possible locations where we believe our missing personnel are being held hostage," Viktor began.
The map shifted, highlighting the compounds with their designations and estimated travel times for the DS-20B dropships.
"These compounds are built deep into the mountains," Viktor continued, his tone professional but tinged with caution. "Our scanners can only penetrate the outermost layers. Once you breach these points, you'll effectively be blind." The map morphed again, showing the visible layouts of each compound. "Each location has a fire beacon atop of a tower. Securing and disabling these beacons will be your first priority to prevent enemy reinforcements."
Viktor's expression hardened. "While our mass-effect driver weapons and suppressors are quieter than the ancient gunpower weapons, they're still loud enough to alert the enemy nearby after the first shot. Stealth is critical, but speed will be your survival. Each platoon will have two GIA operatives embedded to assist with specialized tasks. Any questions?"
Ava crossed her arms, her skepticism sharp. "How reliable is this intel?" she asked, her voice cutting through the room. Memories of a past GIA failure the disastrous "Suicide Mission" that left a third of her platoon dead made her wary.
Viktor met her gaze, understanding the unspoken accusation. "We have high confidence in this intel, Commander. I know THE operation was…regrettable. But you can trust us this time."
Ava didn't look convinced but nodded curtly.
René spoke next, his tone measured. "What kind of resistance should we expect?"
"Our drones show gates guarded by about two dozen legionaries," Viktor replied. "However, our source indicates that each compound is defended by a cohort roughly 500 soldiers. The narrow corridors should limit their numerical advantage, especially with your superior weaponry. Additional SAT8 units will be assigned to bolster firepower."
The map zoomed in on the compound designated Charlie. "This location has significantly more activity than the others. It's our best bet for finding the hostages. I'll be accompanying the 5th SIF on this assault."
"If there are no further questions," Viktor concluded, "return to your platoons and prepare for deployment."
As the commanders began to disperse, General Nguyen motioned for Ava to stay. Once the others had left, he turned to her with a serious expression.
"According to your report, there's a young mage and an… apostle?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," Ava replied. "They helped us take down a dangerous native specimen. These two are extremely powerful."
"The other refugees will be allowed to set up a temporary camp outside Fort Alnus until we can build them a proper settlement," Nguyen said. "But these two... they're a potential threat. We need to investigate them thoroughly before making any decisions about their future here."
"I understand, General. I'll speak to them," Ava said, saluting.
"One more thing, Commander," Nguyen added, his tone softening. "The boy, Lucas. I understand you want to take care of him, but your missions will keep you away for long stretches. He can't stay with you. Consider asking one of the refugees to care for him or leave him in our custody. We'll find him a foster family back in the UNE."
Ava nodded, though disappointment weighed heavily on her features. "Yes, sir."
-Hangar Bay, Fort Alnus-
The vast hangar buzzed with activity as Ava stood before the assembled 5th SIF, briefing them on their upcoming mission. The air was thick with anticipation, the hum of engines and the clatter of equipment creating a backdrop of controlled chaos. The 5th would be the first to deploy, their target requiring the longest travel time.
Ava paused mid-briefing, her attention drawn to movement at the hangar's edge. Three UNE marines escorted a trio toward her Lelei, Rory, and Lucas. One of the marines saluted sharply.
"Commander Ava, these three requested to speak with you."
Ava raised an eyebrow as Rory stepped forward, her crimson eyes gleaming with determination.
"Commander Ava Bennett," Rory declared, her voice firm and commanding. "We demand to join you on this quest."
Ava blinked, momentarily taken aback by the boldness. She studied Rory, whose presence seemed to radiate confidence and power.
Rory had been traveling the northern reaches of Falmart, spreading the teachings of Emroy, the God of War and Death. Hearing rumors of otherworldly warriors who had crushed the Empire's most elite legions, she had been drawn to Alnus. Witnessing the UNE's power firsthand their destruction of the Flame Dragon cemented her belief that these strangers were the force of change Falmart needed.
Ava frowned. "Commander Ava is fine, but lady, you don't have any authority here."
"We want to join you on your adventures," Lelei said calmly, stepping forward to stand beside Rory.
"And I want to come too!" Lucas chimed in, rushing to Ava and wrapping his small arms around her waist.
Ava stiffened at the unexpected embrace. She knelt to Lucas's level, her tone softening. "Lucas, it's too dangerous for you to come with me. You need to stay here where it's safe."
She turned her attention to the other two. "How old are you?"
"I'm 961 years old," Rory replied matter-of-factly, "and Lelei is 18."
Ava stared at Rory, momentarily speechless. "Nine hundred and…okay, never mind. Look, you cannot join us on missions until you've been vetted and approved. For now, you'll need to follow the marines for processing. Once that's done, we'll submit a request for you to become civilian contractors. Until then, you stay here."
Rory scowled but nodded grudgingly. "Fine," she said, though her tone suggested anything but. She glanced around at the soldiers, her hand gripping her halberd. While she could likely take down several of them in combat, she knew sheer numbers and their strange powers would eventually overwhelm her.
"Come on, Lucas," Lelei said, gently taking his hand and guiding him away.
Lucas hesitated, throwing his arms around Ava one last time. "Stay safe, Ava," he murmured.
"I will," she promised, hugging him tightly before waving him off.
As Lucas disappeared into the hangar with Lelei and Rory, Ava turned back to her platoon. They were staring at her, wide grins spreading across their faces. A few stifled chuckles broke the tension.
"What's so funny?" Ava demanded, crossing her arms.
"You've got yourself a fan club, Commander," David quipped, trying to contain his laughter.
Her cheeks flushed red. "Hey!" she snapped, awkwardly brushing off the teasing. "Get off your asses and get ready!"
The hangar erupted in laughter, and Ava let out a long, exasperated sigh. Despite her embarrassment, she couldn't help but smile faintly as she watched her soldiers rally with renewed energy.
-DS-20B Stealth Deployment Aircraft-
The DS-20B shares the sleek, angular design of the standard DS-20 but distinguishes itself as a precision instrument for covert operations. Sacrificing brute force for stealth, it is equipped with only two 3-barrel rotary guns for defensive engagements and lacks the shield dome typical of its counterpart.
What it loses in firepower, the DS-20B more than compensates for with cutting-edge stealth capabilities. Its advanced stealth drive renders it virtually invisible to both radar and thermal detection, while its enhanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suite scrambles enemy systems, ensuring it remains undetectable even in line-of-sight scenarios.
This deadly combination of subtlety and sophistication has made the DS-20B a cornerstone of UNE's covert operations. Field-tested across countless ISO missions, it has proven itself indispensable in striking deep behind enemy lines, where precision and invisibility matter most.
-Somewhere Over Falmart-
Two DS-20Bs soar silently through the pitch-black night, their stealth systems rendering them nearly invisible against the starless sky. Onboard, the atmosphere is one of professional calm, as 16 elite operators of the 5th SIF and two GIA agents prepare for their mission. These are no ordinary soldiers—they are the UNE's finest, a unit forged through relentless training and countless missions that tested their skill and resolve.
Commander Ava Bennett sits near the side door, gazing into the darkness through a holographic window. The landscape below appears serene under the faint glow of the stars, but Ava knows better. Tonight's mission carries a weight that presses on her shoulders a combination of duty and personal stakes.
"Thinking about your mother?" Viktor's voice breaks the quiet, his tone casual but laced with curiosity. "I read your profile."
Ava turns to him, her expression neutral but her voice firm. "Don't worry, Special Agent Volkov. This won't affect my performance in combat."
Viktor studies her for a moment before replying. "I don't doubt that for a second. Still, I hope we find her. If not here, I'll do everything in my power to track her down. You have my word. And... call me Viktor."
"Thank you, Viktor," Ava replies, offering a brief nod of acknowledgment.
"We've got your back, Commander," Lieutenant Commander Ashley Le's voice comes crisply over the comms, cutting into the moment with reassuring confidence.
Ava feels a flicker of gratitude. This unit isn't just her team they're her family. Every member of the 5th SIF is a seasoned professional, their dedication and skill honed through years of relentless operations. While their reputation as the UNE's most decorated special forces unit is well-earned, they carry it with quiet humility. There's no room for ego in their line of work only discipline, precision, and trust in one another.
She considers going over the plan one last time but decides against it. Experience has taught her that plans often collapse in the face of enemy contact. The key is adaptability, and her team is nothing if not adaptable. Their mission remains clear: rescue any prisoners, prioritize UNE citizens, and ensure the safety of their own.
The pilot's voice cuts in over the intercom. "Approaching the drop zone. Descending to deployment height."
The DS-20Bs slow their descent, hovering silently five meters above the forest floor. Inside the cabin, the red lighting switches to green, signaling go-time. The side doors slide open, revealing the dark expanse of trees below.
"Go," Ava commands firmly.
The SAT8 units deploy first, leaping from the aircraft with robotic precision. As they hit the ground, they fan out, their advanced optics scanning the area for threats. Within seconds, they establish a secure perimeter, their movements seamless and efficient.
"Clear," comes the confirmation signal from one of the SAT8s.
The operators follow, descending with practiced ease. Each soldier lands silently, immediately moving into pre-assigned positions. Their actions are a symphony of coordination, every motion purposeful and exact.
"Form up. Tight formation," Ava orders, her voice steady and authoritative.
As the 5th SIF advances into the forest, their movements are swift but cautious. These soldiers have faced down enemies far more advanced and dangerous than the local forces they expect tonight, but complacency has no place here. Ava knows that underestimating the enemy, even one less equipped, can lead to disaster.
The moonless forest around them is eerily silent, the dense canopy swallowing even the faint sounds of their approach. Ava tightens her grip on her weapon, her senses sharp. Every step brings them closer to their objective, and every moment could be the one where peace shatters into chaos.
-War Spike, Terra Sphere-
The War Spike command center, a massive structure taller than anything on the sphere, buzzed with quiet tension. In its core, a ring-shaped table gleamed under the glow of holographic displays. Around it sat the President of the United Nations of Earth, Liam Brown, alongside the most powerful military and political figures of the UNE. They were all intently focused on the live feeds streaming from MNet, the global monitoring network, showing the progress of the SIF platoons deep in enemy territory.
The stakes couldn't be higher. For the UNE, this wasn't just a rescue mission, it was a statement. Failure would not only jeopardize the lives of their citizens but also erode the UNE's hard-won image of invincibility. The enemy, primitive by UNE standards, would lose their primary bargaining chip if the mission succeeded. But if it failed, the media frenzy alone could destabilize political unity across the nation.
President Liam Brown, a towering figure both figuratively and literally, leaned forward, his hands resting on the table. At 393 years old, he carried a legacy as both a soldier and a statesman. His time as a SIF operator, a role that had cost him his leg during a brutal operation against the Marikar Empire, was still legendary. Though bio-reconstruction technology had restored his body, his decision to leave the battlefield for the political arena had proven equally impactful. Three terms of steadfast leadership, each lasting ten years, had cemented his reputation as one of the most respected leaders in UNE history.
"General," Liam said, his voice carrying the weight of experience and authority, "this operation cannot go wrong. The consequences of failure, of the media discovering that we've lost our people to a so-called 'primitive enemy' would be catastrophic."
General Marcus Hale, the commander of UNE armed forces, met the President's gaze steadily. A veteran himself, Hale had seen more battlefields than most in the room combined. "Mr. President," he replied with calm confidence, "the 5th SIF and the other units involved are the most elite forces we have. If our people are there, they will find them. They will bring them back. Failure is not in their vocabulary."
Liam's eyes flicked back to the holographic feed, where real-time updates of the mission painted a vivid picture. He knew the General's confidence wasn't misplaced. The SIF operators were legends, their training grueling, their resolve unshakable. Even so, he couldn't shake the unease creeping into his chest.
"This isn't just about success, General. It's about precision. The moment we appear weak" Liam paused, gesturing toward the feed, "even once, it gives our enemies and critics leverage. The SIFs have the skill, but do they have enough intel? Do we know we're not walking into an ambush?"
Hale allowed a brief silence before responding. "There are always variables we cannot account for, Mr. President. But the GIA's involvement in this mission ensures that we've minimized those risks. If anything unexpected happens, the SIFs are more than capable of adapting."
Another feed flickered to life, showing Commander Ava Bennett and her team moving silently through dense foliage under the cover of night. The operators were a picture of professionalism, their movements fluid, their focus absolute. Yet Liam's sharp gaze picked up on the small moments a brief exchange of glances, the subtle way Ava clenched her fist before signaling her team forward. It was clear she carried her own personal stakes into the mission.
"Commander Bennett," Liam said, almost to himself. "She's young for her role."
"Young but exceptional," Hale responded without hesitation. "She's earned every stripe on her uniform. If anyone can execute this mission, it's her."
Liam nodded slowly, but his jaw remained tight. In the shadows of the room, the faces of the other officials mirrored his unease. The weight of the moment bore down on all of them.
As the feeds continued, Liam sat back in his chair, his eyes never leaving the displays. "Let's hope you're right, General," he murmured. "Because if we fail here, the consequences will ripple far beyond this room."
-Charlie Compound-
Deep within the Empire's territory, the Charlie Compound stood in eerie silence. Its high walls, designed more to keep slaves and prisoners confined than to fend off attackers, loomed over the surrounding landscape. Through the feed of a reconnaissance drone, Ava studied the structure carefully. She noticed a blind spot where the compound's wall met the mountain a chink in its otherwise formidable armor. She raised her gloved hand, signaling her team to move.
With precision honed through years of rigorous training, the operators of the 5th SIF followed her orders without hesitation. Each movement was deliberate, quiet, and calculated. Instead of jumping over the wall and risking noise, they climbed, using advanced grapple modules built into their TAC suits. The suits themselves were marvels of engineering, capable of silencing all internal sounds and blending into the environment with adaptive camo. Yet despite the technology, the SIFs adhered strictly to hand signals, a reminder of the high-stakes environment they were operating in.
The wall ascent was completed in under a minute, every operator moving with the fluidity of a seasoned veteran. Once inside the compound, Ashley approached Ava and gave her a firm squeeze on the shoulder, the signal that the area was secure. Ava nodded, her face calm but her mind sharp as a blade.
She split the team into two squads. "First squad, with me," she signaled silently. "Second squad, with Ashley. Clear the guardhouse."
Ashley's acknowledgment was immediate. She motioned for her group to follow, four SAT8 combat bots shadowing their every step. These mechanical sentries were extensions of the team, armed with cutting-edge weaponry and designed to complement human operators with unmatched precision.
Ava led her team toward the watchtower. The structure was 20 meters tall, its spiraling staircase the only way up. She directed Rob Anderson to take five operators and two SAT8s to secure the gate and a secondary watchtower, providing overwatch for the rest of the squad.
The team moved with deadly efficiency. Combat knives flashed in the flicker of torches, their strikes silent and lethal. Guards were dispatched with practiced ease, necks snapped, throats cut, bodies caught and lowered gently to avoid noise. Years of experience fighting more advanced foes had taught the SIFs to master the art of stealth even when the enemy was ill-equipped.
MNet, their secure monitoring system, displayed a real-time feed of their progress. Every unit was on track, each task completed with mechanical precision. Yet as Ava climbed the tower and surveyed the area, a sense of unease crept over her. Something didn't feel right. The Delta Compound, where the 22nd SIF was operating, was reported to be lightly guarded. Too lightly.
She shook off the thought, forcing herself to focus. This was no time for doubt. The mission was clear: secure the compound, locate and rescue prisoners, and eliminate threats.
Reaching the tower's top, Ava signaled for her team to regroup at the main gate leading into the mountain. Her holographic interface displayed a schematic of the hallway beyond the gate. Narrow corridors connected to multiple rooms filled with hostile occupants. Stealth would no longer be an option once they breached.
Using tactical hand signals, Ava ordered her operators to transform their weapons to SMGs, ideal for close-quarters combat. The team adjusted in perfect unison, their movements fluid and unhurried. David Smith, the squad's demolition expert, approached the gate. With the deftness of a surgeon, he placed a doorbuster charge against the heavy wooden barrier.
David held up his hand, fingers counting down silently: three… two… one. He gave a thumbs-up, signaling the charge was live.
The explosion wasn't loud by traditional standards, but it was devastating in its impact. The door splintered into jagged fragments, blown inward with precision. The team moved instantly, pouring into the breach like a flood of shadows.
After assigning five operators, including David, from the 2nd squad to secure their exit route, Ava signaled the rest of the team to move. The 1st squad, under Ava's command, advanced down the right side of the hallway while Ashley led the remaining members of the 2nd squad to clear the left. The operators moved with meticulous precision, their years of experience evident in every step and gesture.
Room by room, the SIF swept through the compound, executing their mission with the discipline of seasoned professionals. In the hallways, two operators and a SAT8 combat drone always covered the forward path, their weapons trained on any potential threat. Meanwhile, two others and another SAT8 maintained rear security, ensuring no hostile could approach them from behind. Their movements were synchronized, flowing seamlessly from one position to the next as if part of a single entity.
Each room clearing followed a flawless choreography, drilled endlessly during their training and refined through countless operations. The operators stacked on either side of the door, their breathing calm and measured. The breacher would shoot out the lock or hinges with a suppressed firearm, stepping aside just as the pointman surged into the room.
Inside, the team fanned out, each operator selecting a firing position that maximized their field of view while minimizing overlap with their teammates' lines of fire. The first operators through the door moved to the farthest points, allowing those behind them to take closer positions without crossing in front. This layered approach ensured every angle of the room was covered in seconds.
Once all hostiles were neutralized, they methodically swept the room for any hidden threats. Tables, beds, curtains, fireplaces every conceivable hiding place, no matter how small, was checked. The last operator to enter had a critical job: confirming the kills. A single shot to the head ensured no enemy would rise again.
Progress was deliberate but relentless, every action embodying the SIF's unparalleled discipline.
As they pushed deeper, the team reached a larger chamber. The sight was ghastly. Chains dangled from the walls, and massive stone blocks resembling crude torture tables stood in grim silence. Ava peered into the room, her TACNet feed highlighting the formation of legionaries preparing for a confrontation. She raised her hand, signaling Ashley, and both women lobbed two plasma grenades into the room.
The grenades detonated with a searing flash, their plasma cores vaporizing most of the legionaries and melting nearby tables and chains into twisted slag. The shockwave disoriented the remaining enemies, giving the SIF their moment.
"Move in!" Ava barked through her TACNet feed.
The operators stormed the room with unyielding efficiency, their SMGs cutting down those legionaries still standing. The SAT8 drones flanked them, delivering precision suppressing fire to eliminate any lingering threats.
As the dust settled, Ava scanned the carnage. Blood and severed limbs stained the grotesque torture tables. Her stomach churned with fury at the barbarity before her, but she pushed it aside, channeling her anger into focus.
"Savages," Viktor muttered coldly, his voice tight with controlled rage.
Ava clenched her fists. "Ashley, secure this room. First squad and Viktor, with me," she ordered, her voice firm and composed.
Moving deeper into the mountain, the environment grew more perilous. This section was beyond the range of their drones' mapping, forcing the team to rely on their TAC suits and the SAT8 scanners to detect threats through the walls. Every step was calculated, every decision weighed against the risk of the unknown.
The resistance intensified as they advanced. Legionaries and guards, now alerted, fought with ferocity, but the SIF met them with unmatched skill. In close quarters, the operators' SMGs barked with precise bursts. SAT8s scanned for hidden enemies and provided pinpoint fire support, ensuring no corner went unchecked.
The narrow corridors gave way to prison cells and stone workshops. Slaves, emaciated and hollow-eyed, cowered in the shadows, their expressions a mix of fear and faint hope as the SIF passed. Ava's heart ached for them, but her focus remained fixed on the mission.
At the end of the compound, they found a large hall. Using the SAT8 scanners, Ava surveyed the area through the wall. Her HUD painted a grim picture: 104 legionaries in formation, their weapons at the ready. In front of them stood a row of hostages, trembling as swords hovered ominously near their throats.
Plasma grenades were out of the question. A single misstep could mean the deaths of the hostages.
Ava's jaw tightened as she analyzed the situation. "No grenades," she whispered over the TACNet. "We take them clean. SAT8s will suppress the flanks while we focus on precision shots."
The team shifted into position, their movements quiet as shadows. The challenge ahead was immense, but the 5th SIF had faced worse odds before. Ava's calm voice cut through the tension:
"Check your fire," she reminded her squad over TACNet. "Hostages in play. Execute precision."
"I know you're out there! We have your people with us!" the centurion's voice echoed through the chamber, wavering with an edge of desperation. "If you use your dark magic, they will die!"
The hostages were lined up, trembling, their captors' weapons pressed to their necks. The centurion's fear was palpable, but Ava remained composed, her training taking over.
"On my mark." Ava signaled.
Ava and Rob each prepared a stun grenade, their movements fluid and practiced. With a silent signal, they tossed the devices into the room. The grenades detonated with a blinding flash and deafening bang, incapacitating both the hostages and their captors.
"Move!" Ava ordered.
The SIF operators surged into the room, their TAC suits adjusting to the sudden shift in light and sound. They moved with surgical precision, prioritizing the enemies closest to the hostages. Guns flashed as the operators neutralized the immediate threats. The SAT8s followed, unleashing a symphony of controlled firepower that tore through the remaining enemies with ruthless efficiency.
"You're UNE? You came to rescue us?" one of the hostages sobbed, their voice trembling with disbelief and relief.
TACNet quickly confirmed all 17 hostages as UNE citizens. Many were battered, bruised, and frail from weeks of torture and labor. Ava knelt beside one of them, her voice firm but kind. "I'm Commander Ava Bennett of the 5th SIF, 2nd ISO. We're here to get you out. Can you move?"
A woman in the group, barely able to speak, raised her head. "Commander Bennett... Admiral Bennett... is she your mother?" she croaked. "I'm Kelly."
Ava's heart skipped. "She is. Do you know where she is?" The possibility of finding her mother rekindled a flicker of hope.
Kelly coughed, her voice faint. "She tried to protect us... but when they realized she was a high-ranking officer, they separated her from us. That was two weeks ago. Since then, I haven't seen her...They take people away, and they never come back...I'm sorry."
Ava's jaw tightened, but she kept her tone steady. "It's alright. We'll deal with that later. Right now, we need to get you out of here."
Switching to her comms, Ava reported, "This is 5th SIF lead. We've secured 17 UNE citizens. Proceeding to extraction. Over."
HQ responded swiftly. "Roger that, 5th SIF lead. 'Meat Wagon' is en route. Proceed to rally point Alpha. Over."
"Copy, HQ. Moving to rally point Alpha. Over." Ava turned to her squad. "Rob, you and the SAT8s take point. Everyone else, help the civilians. Move quickly but stay sharp."
The squad worked in seamless unison, guiding the battered hostages through the compound's labyrinthine corridors. Ashley's voice came through the comms. "Clear over here, Commander."
"Gate's secure, Commander," David reported.
The retreat was executed with textbook precision. The operators maintained a constant overwatch, ensuring no surprises as they navigated back to the extraction point. In the open field outside, four cloaked DS-20B dropships awaited them, their engines humming softly in stealth mode. Ava didn't let her guard down until every hostage and operator were aboard.
"Take off!" Ava signaled, and the dropships lifted into the air, vanishing into the night sky.
As they climbed, a frantic message crackled over the comms: "This is 22nd SIF lead! The situation is Charlie Foxtrot! Request immediate assistance! Over!" The transmission was punctuated by the roar of gunfire.
Ava snapped into action. "5th SIF lead requesting permission to reinforce 22nd SIF. Over."
General Nguyen's voice cut in, firm and resolute. "Deny. They've encountered barrels of what we believe to be the same explosive magic used at the Battle of Alnus Hill. The 22nd's rear guard was pushed into the compound using new explosive arrows. A marine company is en route and will arrive faster than you. Your priority is to get our people back safely."
Acknowledging the order, Ava switched her HUD to the drone feed over Delta Compound. What she saw made her stomach drop. A massive enemy force surrounded the compound. The imperials had detonated a several barrels of purple energy, triggering an explosion that collapsed part of the mountain over the compound.
MNet confirmed that all members of the 22nd SIF were alive but stuck under the mountain of rocks.
"It was a trap! This is FUBAR!" David's voice broke through the comms, filled with frustration and disbelief.
Ava sank into her seat, the realization hitting her like a physical blow. Her mother might have been among them, but Alpha and Bravo teams had found no trace of her or other UNE citizens. Ava dematerialized the front of her helmet, her piercing gaze locking onto Viktor.
"I'll get to the bottom of this, Commander," Viktor vowed, his voice steady but heavy with determination.
The rest of the journey back to Fort Alnus passed in oppressive silence. The loss of the 22nd SIF, a full unit of the UNE's most elite soldiers was a sobering blow. The Empire's willingness to sacrifice hundreds of their own to eliminate 16 UNE operatives demonstrated the enemy's ruthlessness and cunning.
This war, Ava thought grimly, would not be won easily.