Beyond our Borders

by maus69420

Gulch, a nation forgotten by the rest of Remnant, plans to reconnect itself with the rest of the world. But with new and never-before-seen threats that lay outside their walls, would that impede their efforts to make contact?

24. Chapter 24 (Freelance Reconaissance)

Disclaimer: I do not own RvB nor the items and some of the lore from Halo. RvB was Rooster Teeth's original creative work and Halo is Microsoft and Halo Studios' IP.

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The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the pristine grounds of Atlas Academy as it dipped over the horizon, bathing the towering spires that pierced the star-studded sky in brilliant shades of gold and crimson. All throughout the campus, the echoes of chatter and laughter could be heard quieting down as many students began to turn in for the first night of the school year.

Not among them, however, was one Allison Beta, a.k.a. the infamous Agent Texas of Project Freelancer. That is, not among them because she had already retired to her room a half hour earlier.

As it turned out, the day ended with one final class on combat and physical prowess, and the instructor decided to make things interesting by allowing the top scorer to retire a half-hour early.

A feat that Tex had rather easily managed to snag, much to both the chagrin of most of the other male student body and the contained vexation of one Agent Carolina.

Of course, their displeasure mattered not in the slightest to the staunch soldier; she had won fair and square. Why should she give a crap about the losers' bitching? Not that she ruminated on it much, as she immediately shed her school-issued uniform for her army slacks and a black tank top, electing to spend her little "early leave" resting on her bed, listening to her favorite tunes and mentally running through battle scenarios.

The scene over here at Atlas Academy was certainly an interesting one, not too dissimilar to her basic training back in the Gulch. With the exception of serious, yet still childish and overly eager "recruits." That was, however, to be expected given how the institution basically was basic training in the kingdom. And unlike back home, the people here always had an enemy, one that would never stop. If nothing more, she'd certainly give the people of Atlas credit for the work ethic they've put into it all—one that could almost grant the approval of a proud Gulchian like herself.

Almost being the operative term, of course. Tex may not have been as high-strung as a lot of the old farts back home, but that didn't necessarily mean she liked dealing with the four kingdoms nonetheless. Sure, Gulch wouldn't be where it was today were it not for what happened, but old wounds can still be pretty hard to forget when you're the victims. Not that she was afraid for if things should go south.

At least, not afraid for her own sake...

Before her thoughts could turn grim, the snapping sound of the door to the room being slammed open also snapped her out of her thoughts. Though her eyes were closed, Tex could still feel the if-looks-could-kill stare Carolina sent her way. She could almost feel Carolina's irritation deepen in response to the uncontainable smirk spreading across her face.

"You know, you could've at least pretended to be the saint and have gone easy on those other losers, at least given them somewhat of a chance," Carolina announced irritably, seemingly oblivious to her own hypocrisy.

Tex merely chuckled lightly in response. "What can I say? If you wanna be the best," she added under her breath, "you just gotta try harder. Or, you could always quit; I know I wouldn't blame you."

"…I really hate you, you know that?"

"Aww, I hate you too," Tex mocked.

After her little jab, they heard the door to their room slide open. Being technologically advanced, their dorm rooms had automatic doors that let in their teammates in. Visitors would need assistance form the occupants should they need to visit. In came North and Washington as they prepare for their objective.

"Okay, ladies, break it up," North decided, as usual, to interject before things could turn ugly. "Need I remind you these guys won't be as lenient as the Director was should we act up again?"

"But I thought you said the Director was an absolute hardass forged in the fires of—"

"Exactly." He promptly cut off Washington, who only gulped in response.

Tex let out a final chuckle, ignoring Wash's look of mild dread, and reached into the pouch at her side. One by one, the Freelancers pulled small, rectangular tactical vambraces from their kits, strapping them onto their wrists. As tempting as it was to have just immediately activate her armor, she knew it would only attract attention in these pristine halls. She exchanged a final look with the others before stepping into the corridor, their small group slipping into formation as they moved deeper into the academy.

The interior of Atlas Academy was polished and imposing, a blend of military precision and cutting-edge technology. Bright, white lights lined the ceiling, casting a sterile glow over sleek metal walls and floors that reflected their every step. Security cameras dotted the walls, sweeping left and right in mechanical intervals, and every few hallways, uniformed guards patrolled, their footsteps echoing down the pristine corridors.

Carolina took the lead, moving with practiced ease as she guided the team past the occasional patrol, her steps silent against the metallic floor. The walls here seemed to stretch up endlessly, accented with holographic displays showcasing past graduates, including some of Atlas's finest huntsmen and huntresses. To the side, massive windows looked out over the city below, lit up in an icy glow as dusk began to fall. They then came across York, C.T., and South who were waiting for them at the far end of the hallway.

York leaned over, whispering to Tex. "So... I take it this is their version of home sweet home? Kinda lacking in charm, if you ask me."

Tex smirked, nudging him forward. "Trust me, they're not here to make you feel cozy. Just keep moving."

He chuckled softly, but quickly fell silent as they rounded a corner. C.T., scanning the corridor, murmured, "Not exactly subtle, are they? Atlas Academy screams 'military pride.' I bet they think all this fancy tech makes them untouchable."

North, focused on their route, gave a slight nod. "Well, let's hope they don't notice us slipping through their 'untouchable' halls."

South leaned in, her gaze darting from door to door as they passed. "Just imagine the looks on their faces if they caught us skulking around without armor."

Wash, looking a little more tense, shot South a glare. "Thanks for that comforting thought. Really helps with the nerves."

"Relax, rookie," Tex said, keeping her voice low. "Stick with us, and you'll live to tell the story. Just don't wander off."

"Don't plan on it," Wash mumbled, glancing back nervously as they continued down the hall.

As they approached one of the larger corridors, Carolina motioned for them to stop. A squad of guards was passing by, talking quietly among themselves about tonight's increased security protocols. The Freelancers pressed themselves against the wall, holding their breath until the guards moved on, their footsteps fading around the corner.

Finally, they reached a quieter corridor tucked off to the side. The lights were dimmer here, casting long shadows against the walls and giving them some semblance of cover. Carolina checked the map on her wrist and nodded.

The group fell into formation, each member pulling their vambrace out once more. With a flick of her finger, Carolina activated hers, and the others quickly followed suit. A faint hum filled the air as each of them donned their armor, the nanobots assembling piece by piece until they were fully outfitted.

Once everyone was suited up, Carolina tapped her vambrace, activating a holographic map that hovered in front of them in a pale blue light. North glanced at the display, eyes focused as he traced their next moves.

"Alright, people," North began, projecting authority as his gaze swept over the group. "We've got a lot of ground to cover, and according to Delta, only an hour to gather intel before the curfew checks start and the academy locks up for the night. This is where the real work begins."

He pointed to a highlighted area on the holographic map, marked as "Restricted Access." "There's a large area here that Delta's flagged as resonating with a lot of secure data. We'll be splitting into two groups—one will head toward this point to collect whatever they can, and the other will make sure no one's around to spot us."

South, leaning casually against the wall with her arms crossed, gave him a wry look. "So, what's the plan, big man? We can't exactly stroll in and pay for a tour. What we're just supposed to waltz in, grab the intel, and get out without anyone noticing?"

North raised an eyebrow but kept his tone measured. "That's the idea, South. And I expect us to do it quietly." North shot her a pointed glance before continuing, highlighting a large dot on the map. "That's also why we split up. One group will scout ahead toward this resonative point of significance while the other will make their way to the main security detail and make sure no one catches sight or wind of us, keeping a low profile while handling security and monitoring guard rotations."

Tex chimed in, her eyes focused on the map. "If we can access the surveillance feeds, we'll know where the patrols are and avoid getting trapped. The control room is here." She pointed at a small room near the end of a heavily monitored corridor. "Guard shifts line up with class dismissals, giving us a short window with less monitoring."

"Nothing we can't handle," York added, tapping his chin thoughtfully as he studied the map. "If we're careful, we'll be able to clear the whole thing without a hitch."

"Famous last words, York," Carolina muttered, though there was an edge of a smile on her face. She glanced at Tex. "Any chance we can get access to the academy's upper levels from this control room? If so, that could put us close to whatever they're trying to keep hidden."

Tex nodded, analyzing the map with a tactical eye. "We'll know once we're in. But once we get to the control room, I'll need a few minutes to crack the system and override their security alerts. They've got layers of encryption, so we can't afford any unnecessary noise."

York, always the joker, grinned. "And if all else fails, there's always Plan B: cause enough chaos to cover our exit."

Wash frowned. "I feel the need to point out that that is probably the worst fallback plan ever suggested. Of all time."

C.T. smirked, patting him on the shoulder with mock sympathy. "If things go south, don't worry—we'll just use you as the sacrificial lamb. Keeps the rest of us safe."

"Oh yeah, great, that's really comforting, Connie," Wash muttered, looking more nervous by the second.

York laughed, taking it up a notch. "Actually, I was thinking we arm his grenades and roll him down the hall to create a diversion."

Before Wash could respond, Carolina waved them back to the plan. "Focus, people. Once we split, my team will handle the intel. North's team will cover security—no distractions, no getting sidetracked. No. Noise." She shot a pointed look at South, who just rolled her eyes in response.

She followed her gesture with a shrug, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. "One damn time I forget to turn off my transmitter, and you never let me live it down."

Carolina ignored her. "Just stay focused. We're not sneaking into an abandoned outpost this time, and this isn't like that insurrectionist cell two months ago. These people are to be left alone—we can't afford to blow our cover."

Tex's eyes remained on the map as she cut in, her tone all business. "Once we're in the control room, I'll be able to loop a few key camera feeds to avoid detection. But remember, this is Atlas. They'll notice eventually if things go offline, so we'll be moving fast."

York flashed a grin, adjusting his vambrace. "We're all pros here, right? Nothing we haven't done a hundred times before."

South scoffed. "Just hope your luck holds, York. Don't count on me to haul you out if you're too slow."

Tex couldn't help but smirk, her voice dropping an octave. "Then let's make sure it doesn't come to that. Everyone stick to your roles, follow the plan, and we'll be out before they even know we were here."

They all exchanged glances, their usual banter fading as the reality of the mission settled in. With no more distractions, they double-checked their equipment and adjusted their vambraces, a practiced silence falling over the group.

After a beat, Carolina's voice broke the quiet. "Alright. Let's get this done."

With that, the Freelancers slipped into formation, their expressions hardening in anticipation as they prepared to move out.

"What the hell have I gotten myself into?" Washington nervously meeped out.

With a final nod, the Freelancers split into their designated groups, each slipping off in a different direction down the sterile halls of Atlas Academy. The echo of their quiet footsteps barely disturbed the stillness, but even the faintest sound seemed amplified in the vast, high-tech corridors.

Tex led her team down a side hallway that connected to the main security hub, which controlled Atlas's network of surveillance feeds. They kept to the walls, ducking into shadowed alcoves whenever a guard passed or the lights flickered with the telltale hum of a camera turning to scan the hall. Every now and then, they'd pause as Tex checked the map on her vambrace, ensuring they stayed on the quickest route to avoid detection.

The academy's architecture was painfully precise, its polished steel surfaces reflecting faint light from holographic monitors and security consoles that lined the walls. This was no civilian academy—it was as much a fortress as it was a school, and the team moved with the heightened awareness that every corner could bring them face-to-face with an armed guard.

Up ahead, York's team veered left, following a narrow hallway that led toward Atlas's upper levels. York kept his pace light and even, his face betraying only the smallest hint of excitement. South, however, seemed more than a little annoyed with the constant halts and whispers.

"Any chance we could pick up the pace?" she whispered, glancing back at York as he motioned for her to hold still.

"Patience is a virtue, South," he murmured back with a grin, pausing as he waited for a guard to round the corner up ahead. "You should try it sometime."

South rolled her eyes, shifting her weight with impatience. "Yeah, and maybe you could try sticking to a plan for once."

Wash, tagging along with the team, glanced between the two, looking a bit out of his element. "Guys, this place has guards posted around every corner. If we're going to argue, maybe we should do it somewhere less... exposed?"

"Don't worry, Wash," York whispered, his voice calm but focused as he scanned the hallway. "Just stick close and don't do anything to draw attention. We're good."

Tex's team moved in tandem toward the main security hub, a reinforced room they could access through the staff hallways. At Tex's signal, Carolina took point, peeking around each corner and signaling the all-clear before moving forward. The constant surveillance and strategic patrols created an undercurrent of tension, but Tex remained cool, her mind focused on the next steps.

C.T., taking up the rear, kept glancing at the walls with a smirk. "You know, for all their pride in security, Atlas has a lot of blind spots."

Tex gave her a sidelong glance. "You sound almost disappointed."

"Just saying. Not much point in the fancy walls and cameras if we're still managing to stroll through undetected."

"Just keep an eye on our six, C.T.," Tex replied, keeping her voice steady. "We're not out yet."

Meanwhile, York's team found themselves nearing an entrance that led deeper into the bowels of the Academy, hopefully even a path to the Research and Development wing. They paused just outside the access door, keeping close to the shadows as they surveyed their surroundings.

"Alright," York whispered, his tone all business now. "Once we're inside, stick close, keep quiet, and remember—this isn't a raid. We're here to gather intel, not stir up trouble."

South let out a quiet scoff, but nodded, her eyes sharp as she glanced at the door. "Yeah, yeah, I know the drill."

With the hallway finally clear, York turned to South, giving her the signal. With practiced efficiency, they slipped through the side entrance, moving on into the dimly lit halls without a sound.

After splitting up, Tex's and York's groups moved in quiet tandem, navigating different corridors but staying in close contact over the comms. The pristine, industrially lit halls of the deeper Academy cast long reflections on the metallic floor, creating an almost mirror-like effect that made every shadow and movement more pronounced.

Carolina held up a fist, signaling her team to stop just outside a hallway lined with glass cases displaying various relics and trophies. The steady drone of a camera hummed from just above the hallway's entrance, and she tapped her vambrace, linking to York's team over the secure channel.

"We've got a camera covering the main hall," Carolina murmured. "York, if you're near the auxiliary power room, can you cut this feed for thirty seconds? Just long enough to get us past."

York's voice crackled quietly in her earpiece. "Copy that, we're moving. ETA: twenty seconds. Stand by."

Tex glanced back at Carolina, her fingers tapping against her vambrace, ready to go as soon as they got the all-clear. South, however, shifted impatiently, casting wary glances toward the hall where the camera loomed.

York's team moved swiftly through the corridors, staying close to the walls as they approached the auxiliary power room. South kept an eye on her vambrace's display, her fingers hovering over the control settings, ready to execute the temporary feed cut.

"We're in position," South whispered, looking over at York as he adjusted the controls. "Now or never."

York's fingers flew over the control pad, disabling the camera feeds leading to the main hall where Tex's team waited. "Alright, you're clear. You've got thirty seconds before it reboots."

On the other side, Carolina motioned her group forward, moving swiftly and silently past the camera as it powered down. They slipped through the main hall undetected, the hum of the camera resuming just as they reached cover on the other side.

"Feed's back online," York's voice crackled over the comm. "You're in the clear."

"Nicely done," Tex replied, a faint smile crossing her face as she glanced back at the deactivated camera. "Keep moving to the next checkpoint, and we'll rendezvous near the control room."

Tex's group moved quickly, advancing further into the academy's heart as they maneuvered through the various passageways. They found themselves at a corner where a security patrol stood just around the bend, their muffled voices faint but growing louder.

"Hold," Tex murmured, motioning for everyone to press against the wall. She tapped her comms. "York, we've got guards near our sector. We'll need a distraction—anything to draw them away."

York and his team were crouched near an adjacent corridor that led toward the guards' patrol route. Thinking quickly, York noticed a control panel for one of the fire alarm test systems nearby. He raised an eyebrow at South, who gave him an approving nod.

With a quick hand signal, York tapped the panel, causing a faint beeping noise down the hall. The alarm wasn't loud enough to trigger a full evacuation, but it was just enough to make the guards turn in confusion.

"What's going on down there?" one guard muttered, motioning to his partner as they moved to investigate.

Tex's team took advantage of the distraction, slipping past the patrol route and out of sight just as the guards left their post. Once they were clear, Tex whispered over the comm, "Good work, York. We're past the guards."

York's team, now crouched in the relative safety of an alcove, prepared for the next leg of the journey. But just as they started moving again, the faint hum of a drone echoed from down the hall, its sensors sweeping the area in methodical arcs.

"Hold up," York hissed to his team, pressing himself against the wall as he watched the drone's movement. "We've got a sweeper. Carolina, we're gonna need a loop on this one. If it catches us, we're done."

Carolina, holding position a few corridors over, scanned her vambrace, identifying the drone's control frequency. "Give me a second. I'll set it to the last thirty seconds of footage. Don't move until I say."

York's team waited tensely, listening to the drone's hum as it hovered closer, its sensors flicking toward them. Just as it began its sweep, Carolina's voice came over the comm. "You're clear—drone's on a loop. Move fast."

With the footage looped, York's team sprinted forward, passing under the drone and slipping into the next corridor just as the footage reverted to normal. South let out a quiet breath, glancing at York with a slight smirk. "Not bad, York. Maybe you're good for more than just dumb luck."

"I'd say that's my specialty," York replied, grinning as he caught his breath.

Meanwhile, Tex's team finally reached the security room. They waited, hearts pounding as Tex hacked into the access panel, trying to gain entry without setting off any alarms.

"Almost... there..." Tex muttered, her fingers flying over the controls. At last, with a quiet beep, the door slid open.

Tex and her team slipped into the control room, the door sliding shut behind them with a quiet hiss. She immediately moved to the main console, her fingers hovering over the keys as she connected to Atlas's surveillance system. The screens flickered to life, displaying live feeds from nearly every corner of the academy, each one a potential reveal of their presence.

York's team, still exposed in the hall near the Research and Development wing, was waiting on the other end, concealed only by a slim pillar and a small panel jutting out from the wall. The camera feed they'd been monitoring shifted, and Tex's stomach tightened as she realized the system was running its scheduled sweep—one that would bring the camera directly over York's position within seconds.

"Alright, York, we're in," Tex said, her voice a calm but urgent whisper. "Hold position. Give me a second to loop the feed."

"Got it," York replied, his voice steady, but a faint edge of tension crept into his tone. They could all see the timer counting down on the feed, ticking down to zero before the camera would rotate again, ready to expose everything.

Tex's fingers flew over the controls, navigating through layers of security encryption, each one more stubborn than the last. The system was fighting her, putting up every barrier Atlas had in place. She let out a frustrated breath, breaking through yet another layer with only seconds to spare. But just as she got close, the console emitted a sharp, angry beep—an encrypted alert blocking her attempt.

Carolina leaned in, her eyes fixed on the screen. "Tex, we've got about ten seconds before that camera turns and Delta can't cover active camouflage on all of us, so whatever you're doing, do it faster."

In the hallway, York pressed himself closer to the pillar, his gaze flicking to the camera as it began its slow, mechanical sweep, inching closer to their position. South glanced at him, her face tight with apprehension. "Any chance you could maybe give them a little more motivation?"

York kept his voice level. "Don't worry, Tex knows what she's doing." But his hand clenched tighter around his vambrace, his pulse racing as he kept his eyes locked on the rotating lens.

Back in the control room, Tex's fingers flew faster. She rerouted her approach, bypassing another firewall, every second feeling longer than the last. The encryption was complex, a multi-layered defense that snarled every attempt she made to loop the feed. She forced her mind to stay clear, her focus razor-sharp as she fought against the countdown in her head.

"Come on," she muttered, typing faster, the seconds ticking down like a countdown in her ears. "Just... one... more."

Outside, the camera continued its slow, inexorable sweep, edging ever closer to York's team. South gritted her teeth, whispering through clenched teeth, "Anytime now, Tex!"

Tex felt her heart pounding as she finally broke through the last line of security. Her fingers flew, initiating the loop command just as the camera's lens angled directly toward York and South. Her hand hovered over the final key, her muscles tensed as if the action alone could keep the entire team hidden.

The screen flickered, and for an agonizing second, nothing happened. Then, at the last possible moment, the loop engaged, freezing the feed and displaying the previous thirty seconds of empty hallway.

York let out a shaky breath, finally relaxing his shoulders as he and South slipped out of sight, their escape concealed by the now-looped feed. They exchanged a glance, both of them visibly rattled, though they wouldn't admit it.

"Camera's clear," Tex said over the comms, unable to completely mask the hint of relief in her voice. "You're good to go."

A tense silence followed as everyone took a moment to let the adrenaline subside. Even Carolina exhaled quietly, glancing at Tex with a mix of respect and faint relief. The mission had been dangerously close to going up in smoke, and the reality of that lingered in the air, a reminder of the stakes they were facing.

"Nice timing, Tex," York finally said, his tone light, though there was a slight tremor of nerves beneath his usual bravado. "I'd say that was a bit closer than I'd like."

South shot him a glare. "Closer than you'd like? Next time, try waiting in the line of sight."

After the close call with the camera, the Freelancers moved with renewed caution, the weight of the mission settling over them like a heavy fog. They advanced in coordinated silence, the sounds of their footsteps muted against the academy's polished floors, each step carefully planned and precisely executed.

Tex's team exited the control room, slipping back into the maze of hallways. Carolina held up her hand, motioning for them to stop and regroup behind an out-of-use storage area. Within moments, York's team arrived from the opposite direction, and both groups formed a loose circle, keeping their voices low as they surveyed their surroundings.

"Nice work with that camera," York whispered, nodding to Tex. "For a second there, I thought we'd be adding 'prison break' to our list of skills."

Tex shrugged, unruffled. "Just doing my job. Let's make sure it's worth it."

South leaned in, her voice a little less playful than usual. "Now that we're all back together, what's our next move?"

Carolina brought up the holo-map on her vambrace, the translucent blue display casting faint light over their faces as she pointed to a large, secured area on the upper level. "The big room," she murmured, indicating the area that had been highlighted earlier. "Based on the intel from Delta, that's where they're storing the files we're after. Access to it is restricted, but we'll handle the surveillance. From here, we'll be in and out in under fifteen."

York raised an eyebrow. "Fifteen minutes? Optimistic, don't you think?"

Carolina gave him a level look. "If we do this right, fifteen minutes is all we'll need."

Tex took point as they moved again, the group spreading out as they advanced toward the main Research and Development wing. The closer they got, the more the atmosphere shifted; the corridors here were starker, quieter, and devoid of the usual student or guard presence. The walls seemed to close in around them, lined with more advanced tech displays and glowing panels that displayed Atlas's latest accomplishments in weapons development and tactical innovations.

South whispered to Wash, who beneath his helmet looked like he'd aged a few years since the last encounter. "Feeling alright there, rookie?"

Wash shot her a withering look. "Just... appreciating the silence, thanks."

Tex held up a hand, signaling them to stop. Up ahead, a thick metal door loomed, its access panel glowing with a security code lock. There was a single guard stationed at the door, his eyes fixed on a data pad as he entered numbers into a nearby console. He seemed oblivious to the intruders who watched him from the shadows.

Carolina raised her vambrace, tapping it to scan the door's control panel. The data flashed across her screen, confirming it would take multiple decryption cycles to unlock it. She turned to Tex, nodding. "You're up."

Tex moved quickly, slipping her vambrace into hacking mode as she tapped into the access panel. The display on her screen filled with lines of code, each layer unraveling as she worked to disable the lock without tripping any alarms.

The seconds ticked by in agonizing slowness. The guard, unaware of the silent intrusion, continued his routine, occasionally glancing around but otherwise absorbed in his task. Tex's fingers danced over her vambrace, her focus unbroken, until finally, the lock emitted a faint beep, and the door slid open.

The group slipped inside the room, the door whispering shut behind them just as the guard turned to leave.

Once inside, the Freelancers glanced around carefully, eyes scanning the room as they prepared to split up to explore its contents. Shadows flickered across rows of sleek consoles and scattered tech, and the steady hum of machinery filled the otherwise quiet space. The room was crammed with data terminals, advanced prototypes, and scattered blueprints, each piece more intriguing than the last. Inside, the room was dimly lit, the cool glow of holographic screens illuminating rows of servers, monitors, and a terminal in the center of the room. Various pieces of advanced tech lay scattered on tables—blueprints, prototypes, and data drives, each one seemingly more significant than the last.

"Alright," York said quietly, glancing around in awe. "Looks like we've hit the jackpot."

The Freelancers moved in silence, splitting up to gather data from the various devices. Tex and Carolina positioned themselves by the central console, while York and South combed through blueprints scattered across a nearby table. Washington and C.T. took up watch positions, keeping an eye on the entrance as York approached a side terminal with an intrigued look on his face.

"Let's keep it tight," Carolina murmured, her eyes scanning the central console as she activated it. "The less we touch, the better."

Tex worked her vambrace over the console, beginning to pull files and analyze data. A moment later, Delta's holographic form flickered to life beside her, scanning the data with his usual calm precision. "Agent Texas, I have located a list of active projects. It appears Atlas is working on a number of enhanced defense protocols."

York, glancing over his shoulder, couldn't help a low whistle. "Looks like they're preparing for a full-scale assault, or at least something big. I don't know if they're paranoid or just... expecting trouble."

Tex didn't look up, her eyes on the rapidly filling screen. "That's what we're here to find out."

C.T. moved to the far end of the room, her fingers flying over a smaller terminal as she decrypted its files. "Got a file here called Aegis," she reported, his eyes narrowing. "Looks like a massive defense system—probably intended to protect the academy, or even all of Atlas, from large-scale threats."

Delta's light flickered brighter as he examined the files, his voice calm as he offered his analysis. "Project Aegis is indeed focused on defensive capabilities, but I am detecting cross-references with enhanced weaponry and surveillance networks. This project may encompass more than traditional defense."

South rifled through blueprints on the table, one of which caught her eye. "Take a look at this," she whispered, holding up a sleek gauntlet prototype. "They're working on something that's more advanced than anything we've seen before. Could be for their troops—or maybe a new line of Atlesian Knights."

As they gathered more data, Tex's gaze fell on the large console in the center of the room. The screen displayed an ominous folder marked "Project Obsidian Sentinel," encrypted but ominous in its implications.

"Found something else," Tex murmured, staring to the screen. "This might be a bigger priority than we thought."

Carolina's eyes sharpened, her attention locked onto her own searching. "Well then keep downloading. We'll crack that one next."

Meanwhile, York rifled through a pile of holographic schematics, each one detailing complex mechanisms that looked like they belonged on a battlefield. "Atlas doesn't do things halfway, that's for sure. They're building up for something serious," he muttered to himself. His ransacking, however, was cut short as his gaze was immediately drawn to a table in the corner, piled high with prototype components. He picked up a small metallic device—a rectangular module no bigger than his hand, fitted with tiny, sharp prongs and a smooth, mirrored surface. As he tilted it in the light, faint blue lines pulsed along its surface.

"Looks like some sort of... energy modulator?" he muttered, passing it to South, who inspected it with a raised eyebrow.

"Probably for enhanced armor systems," she guessed, setting it back down. "Or maybe for their tech squads. Atlas always did like to push the boundaries."

On another table, Carolina found a holographic blueprint projected over a tablet. The plans displayed what looked like a heavy-duty exoskeleton, bulkier and more intricate than standard combat armor. The design was aggressive, with reinforced joints and a complex hydraulic system running through the limbs. It looked like it could go toe-to-toe with the Cyclops they had back home.

Tex, glancing over Carolina's shoulder, frowned at the blueprints. "Looks like they're not just gearing up for defense. This kind of armor's made to do some serious damage."

York joined them, whistling softly. "Wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of that. Imagine a whole battalion of Atlas soldiers in gear like this. Well, nothing that our own military can't handle."

Carolina's gaze lingered on the blueprint, her expression tense. "Atlas is preparing for something big," she muttered. "Whatever this is, it's not just for show."

South moved to another station, where a transparent casing revealed rows of small drones, each no larger than a palm and outfitted with micro-cameras and antennae. She tapped the case, the faint hum of the drones vibrating beneath her fingers.

"Recon drones," she said quietly. "These could infiltrate just about anywhere—probably what they use to monitor the city without alerting civilians." South remarked, standing by a second rack of compact drones, ran her fingers over the sleek casing of a remote-controlled device. "Looks like they're creating a whole army of these things," she muttered. "Bet they can slip into places most soldiers couldn't."

"Creepy," Wash whispered, glancing at the tiny machines. "Imagine being tailed by one of these things and not even knowing it."

As they continued through the room, Tex's attention was drawn to a large terminal displaying a series of encrypted folders. She accessed the first file and watched as rows of data flashed across the screen. Diagrams of a tall, obelisk-like structure filled the display, along with schematics showing its interior circuitry.

"Any ideas on this?" she asked, gesturing for Delta to scan the images. The AI hummed thoughtfully, processing the data.

"This appears to be an energy relay station of sorts," Delta replied. "However, the scale suggests it is meant to power something significant. The structure's dimensions imply a primary role in long-range surveillance or a citywide defensive shield."

Carolina frowned. "Atlas is gearing up for some pretty serious threats. Whatever they're worried about, they're going to extreme lengths to protect themselves."

Washington, keeping an eye on the entrance, tilted his head at the sight of a long cylindrical tube resting in a containment unit. "What's that thing?" he asked, nodding toward it.

Tex examined it closely. It was labeled with a faded tag that read "Prototype F-Saber" in nearly illegible script. The inside glinted faintly, hinting at a plasma-based weapon, though its design was incomplete.

"Some sort of plasma weapon, maybe?" she mused, scanning it for further data. "Looks like they haven't finished developing it, but they're working with some powerful tech."

They shared a glance, each of them absorbing the sheer volume of projects and high-level tech filling the room. At a side terminal, Carolina pulled up a holographic map of Atlas Academy, studying it for any potential signs of restricted zones or unusual activity logs. "They're definitely preparing for something big," she murmured. "Let's hope we're not finding only surface-level intel."

Washington glanced over at a nearby containment case, eyeing what looked like a series of compact plasma cores. "If that's the surface level, I'd hate to see what's classified as high priority."

Tex continued to comb through the data, finally isolating a large folder with several encrypted sub-files. "Found something," she said, nodding toward the screen. "Not sure what it is yet, but I've been poking at it for some time now. It's a significant data cache. Looks like it's linked to a few other files across different directories."

Delta analyzed the cache, his holographic form flickering as he decrypted parts of the code. "The file appears to be substantial. However, I am detecting a multi-layer encryption which will require time to bypass. The contents are labeled only as 'Project Obsidian Sentinel.'"

The name caught Carolina's attention, despite her brushing off earlier, and she moved to Tex's side, eyes narrowing as she observed the data. "Projects this heavily encrypted don't show up in regular military files. Whatever they're working on, it's top-priority intel."

Tex initiated the download, her focus on the files as Delta continued decrypting them. "I'll pull everything I can. With any luck, this is exactly the kind of intel we're here for."

The others gathered close as the screen displayed rows of data, the titles only hinting at the contents. As Delta's decryption worked through the files, images of advanced defense systems, enhanced weapons blueprints, and structural layouts of secure facilities began to fill the screen.

York let out a low whistle. "Looks like we're hitting the jackpot, folks. Let's get what we need before anyone realizes we're here."

Just as Washington was typing the last few commands into his terminal, he froze, catching a faint sound from the hallway. Footsteps. Someone was coming closer. His heart pounded as he glanced back at the others, his eyes wide with alarm.

"Someone's coming," he whispered urgently. "We need to hide. Now."

The Freelancers scattered, slipping behind tables, terminals, and storage units in the dim room, keeping as close to the shadows as possible. Tex and Carolina ducked behind a tall rack of server equipment, York and Wash wedged themselves behind a storage cabinet, and South pressed against a stack of crates, her hand hovering over her vambrace, ready to act if needed.

The door creaked open, and a single senior student peered into the room, his face curious but cautious. He seemed barely out of his first year, judging by the wide-eyed expression as he glanced around.

"Hello?" the student called, his voice echoing faintly. "Is someone in here?"

The team held their breath, exchanging tense glances. Carolina kept her focus on the student, her jaw tight as she crouched lower, willing him to leave.

The student stepped further inside, scanning the room with growing suspicion. "I thought I heard something…" he muttered, edging closer to where Washington was partially concealed behind a terminal. Each step he took sent a pulse of panic through the Freelancers, the seconds stretching unbearably as they stayed frozen in place.

"Come on, just turn around…" Wash thought, his heart hammering as the student's gaze swept past his hiding spot.

The student's eyes landed briefly on one of the data screens Tex had been working at, the screen still faintly aglow. He squinted, stepping closer to examine it, and Wash felt his throat tighten. Just one wrong move, one whisper, one twitch, and everything would unravel.

But then, the student shrugged, his brow furrowing in confusion as he muttered, "Must've been my imagination." He turned to leave, closing the door quietly behind him.

The Freelancers let out a collective sigh of relief, emerging slowly from their hiding places.

"Close call," South whispered, running a hand through her hair to ease her nerves. "That kid was one closer squint away from blowing our cover."

"We can't afford another one of those," Carolina replied, her voice firm. "York's right. Let's wrap this up and get out of here before anyone else shows up."

Washington returned to the terminal, his fingers flying over the keys as he retrieved the remaining data from the files Delta had decrypted. Just as he began closing the interface, footsteps echoed again from the hallway—this time, heavier, accompanied by muffled voices.

Tex raised a hand, signaling for silence as the voices grew louder, each footstep sending a fresh wave of tension through the team.

"Sounds like guards this time," Tex murmured, moving her hand to her vambrace as she prepared to act.

A pair of academy guards appeared just outside the room, their conversation filtering through the door as one of them reached for the handle.

"Did you hear about that disturbance earlier?" one of the guards said, his voice carrying a trace of suspicion. "Some student thought they saw someone skulking around near the restricted areas."

The other guard chuckled, leaning against the door frame. "Probably just a rookie trying to impress their friends. But still… wouldn't hurt to check things out here."

The Freelancers tensed, eyes darting between each other as the guard opened the door, stepping inside with a casual sweep of the room.

Tex signaled to the others to stay hidden as the guards moved further in, one of them peering curiously at the active terminals. "We need to do this sweep quickly and move on. Last thing we need is students getting nosy around here."

The other guard nodded, glancing around, oblivious to the shadows concealing the intruders. "Let's give the R room a once-over. If anything's off, we can report it to command."

The Freelancers watched in tense silence as the guards moved further into the room, stopping just a few feet from the team's hiding places. Washington's fingers itched to type a command to shut down the console's glow, but he knew even the smallest sound would give them away.

"Let's make sure all the systems are in standby," one guard muttered, reaching for the nearest console.

The Freelancers' hearts raced, each of them praying that the guards wouldn't notice the terminal in the corner, where the faint hum of Washington's download still echoed.

Finally, one guard let out a sigh, stretching his arms. "Looks like everything's in order. Let's get out of here."

The team stayed silent as the guards left, the door swinging shut behind them. They remained still, listening to the fading footsteps until they were certain the guards had moved on.

Tex exhaled, her face grim. "That was too close. We're not getting a third chance here. Wash, finish the download. We're leaving in sixty seconds."

Washington nodded, working faster as he closed the files, his hands trembling slightly as he saved the data to his vambrace. "Almost there… Got it. We're good to go."

The Freelancers regrouped, moving with purpose now, their escape plan set. Carolina nodded toward the far wall, where a secondary exit led to the emergency stairwell.

"Let's go," she said quietly, taking point as they slipped out of the room and into the hallway.

Once they were safely out of the immediate vicinity of the R room, the Freelancers found a quiet, dimly lit corridor where they could pause and catch their breath. The tension from the past few minutes lingered, but there was no time for relief—only decisions.

Washington pulled up the data on his vambrace, his eyes scanning over the files Delta had decrypted. Carolina leaned over his shoulder, narrowing her gaze as she took in the encrypted folders labeled "Project Aegis" and "Project Obsidian Sentinel."

"Okay, so we've got two options here," Washington said, gesturing at the screen. "Project Aegis: Guardian of Atlas, and this one—Project Obsidian Sentinel. The question is, which one do we go after?"

"I say we hit Project Obsidian Sentinel," Carolina replied immediately, her tone sharp. "It seems like it might contain information on their grand-scale weaponry and technology, which could be critical if we're going to understand what we're up against

C.T. nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Whatever this thing is, is clearly deep in WMD territory, and if what we saw in the R then Atlas is definitely preparing for something big."

South crossed her arms, her brow furrowing. "Hold on a second. Project Aegis sounds like it's focused on their military capabilities as a whole. If we can get more details on their army's structure, we could gain a more comprehensive view of their strengths and weaknesses."

"But we don't have time for a deep dive, or a general one at that," Carolina shot back, her frustration palpable. "We need actionable intel, not an overview. Project Obsidian could give us immediate insight into their capabilities on the global level, which is what we're likely to face on the ground."

"Can't we just take a look at both?" North suggested, his voice remaining even. "It's not like we're short on options. We can split up if we have to—"

"Splitting up is a terrible idea," Washington interjected, shaking his head. "We need to stay together. If we spread ourselves too thin, we risk getting caught. We're already in the deep on our own here."

"Fine, but we should prioritize Aegis," South argued, her tone more insistent now. "If we understand their entire military framework, we'll know not just how to fight those new tin cans better, but also what kind of support they'll be giving to 'em."

Wash threw his hands up. "How are we even having this conversation? Robotic rangers alone can tip the balance in a fight between armies! If they have a new class of Atlesian Knights as the mass-produced base, good enough to replace full-fledged hunstmen, it's an automatic game-changer. We need to focus on that first."

"Unless we can hack them, let them turn on their creators, we would have an entire armada of androids at our disposal. And we can finally conquer the world." North offered his insight. One that was met with silence and weird glances. "Jeez, you lot are no fun."

"Are we just going to stand here arguing forever?" South interjected. "We need to decide already."

"Fine, we'll flip a coin," York joked, producing a coin from his pocket.

"Not helping!" Carolina and South shot back in unison, exasperated.

Washington rubbed his temples, clearly trying to mediate the growing tension. "Okay, let's think this through logically. Carolina's right that knowing what we're up against in terms of technology is vital. But South has a point too. If we get blindsided by a well-organized military strategy, the mechs won't matter."

Delta, who had been quietly monitoring the exchange, finally interjected. "Optimal extraction would involve gathering data from both files. However, if time is a constraint, prioritizing the one with the most immediate threats is recommended."

Tex, leaning against the wall, crossed her arms. "But we're still guessing here. Aegis might be about their heavy military force, but we don't even know if that translates to anything immediate. What if it's just about logistics or supply lines? We need to consider what information will impact us right now, not just in theory."

"Exactly!" Carolina exclaimed, turning to Tex. "Look, the potential for advanced infantry is definitely worth investigating, I won't deny that. But if there's something else out there, something that may be able to do to our home the same thing that happened to the moon, then we can't let uncertainty paralyze us."

"Right, but something that big would've popped up way before we even set foot on this frozen rock, so I would be hard pressed for Obsidian Sentinel to be something like a MOAB; if we focus on Aegis and it leads us to critical strategic information, that could be even more valuable," Tex countered. "We could be looking at the entire military landscape instead of just one aspect of it."

"On the other hand," Delta chimed back in, "our time constraints aren't the only issue, but the ground you all can cover in the confined niche we have left. While you are all skilled in many various ways, the fact is that it would be illogical to pursue the more inconvenient option. Especially since there is nothing stopping us from regrouping and returning."

York sighed as he leaned closer to the terminal, weighing the options. "Look, we're in a tight spot. Aegis might give us valuable context, but if we end up facing a brand-new type of war machine in combat, that could turn the tide against us."

"Then what's the plan?" South asked, arms still crossed defensively. "Do we just flip your coin?"

"Let's not get ridiculous," Washington replied, exasperated. "We're a team, not a bunch of amateurs deciding fate with a coin toss."

Carolina's eyes narrowed as she considered Tex's point. "So, what do we do then? Sit here and argue while time keeps ticking down or is one of us going to make the call?"

After a brief pause, Delta added, "While Obsidian Sentinel would provide information we may know nothing of, focusing on Project Aegis would guarantee insights into the broader military strategies at play, which may inform our tactical decisions during infiltration."

"Then it's settled," Tex said, her voice firm. "Let's go for Project Aegis. We may not have all the details, but it could give us an edge in understanding their military positioning. If we find any solid leads, we'll shift our focus to Obsidian afterward, on some other day."

York nodded, relief washing over him. "Sounds like a plan. We're operating in the dark, but we've faced worse odds before."

The Freelancers exchanged quick, determined looks, their collective decision final. They'd gamble on Aegis first, each of them knowing full well that the choice could mean the difference between a successful mission and a near disaster. With a last nod, they continued down the corridor, more focused than ever on their goal.

North tapped his vambrace, pulling up the holographic map of the academy as Delta continued processing the Project Aegis file. The map shimmered in the air, a translucent grid of corridors and rooms, each one meticulously labeled with Atlas's characteristic precision.

"Alright," North said, squinting as he traced a path with his finger. "Delta, what can you tell us about this location?" He pointed to a blinking marker far below their current position, tucked away in a part of the building not accessible through standard stairwells or halls.

Delta's hologram flickered to life, his calm voice cutting through the quiet. "It appears to correspond to a restricted sub-level, accessible only via the heavily guarded and expansive main route down the complex, or a concealed elevator shaft that cuts straight through not too far from us. The encryption on the access panel suggests it is reserved for high-clearance personnel."

"Figures," South muttered, folding her arms. "They wouldn't make it easy."

"Nothing we haven't dealt with before," Tex said, her tone steady. "Let's find this elevator."

North traced the route on the map, zooming in to highlight a section of the corridor just ahead. "Here. The elevator's tucked behind a service panel, likely disguised as part of the wall. If we can bypass the access lock, we should be able to use it."

Carolina gave a sharp nod. "Let's move. The longer we wait, the better chance we get caught."

The group moved swiftly, keeping close to the walls as they navigated the winding corridors. The sterile hum of fluorescent lights above seemed louder than usual, each step echoing faintly against the metallic floors. Finally, they reached a section of the hallway that matched the map's marker.

"Here it is," North whispered, pointing at a blank section of wall. To the untrained eye, it was seamless, but Delta's map had revealed the faint outline of a panel just below the surface.

Tex knelt by the panel, her fingers moving deftly over her vambrace as she linked into its system. "Give me a minute," she murmured, her focus unbroken as she worked through the security encryption.

"Make it quick," Wash said, glancing nervously down the corridor. "I don't think we'll get another lucky break if someone shows up now."

After a few tense seconds, there was a soft click, and the panel slid open, revealing a narrow elevator car with brushed steel walls and a control panel glowing faintly.

"Bingo," Tex said, standing up and gesturing for the others to step inside. The group crowded into the elevator, the space just large enough to accommodate them all without elbows being thrown.

York glanced at the control panel, smirking. "So, do we hit the ominous glowing button marked 'Sub-Level' or what?"

"Just push it, York," Carolina muttered, clearly not in the mood for jokes.

The elevator began its descent with a smooth hum, the walls vibrating faintly as it carried them deeper into the academy's hidden lower levels. For a moment, the tension in the air was palpable—until a cheerful, tinny tune started playing from the elevator's speakers, something upbeat and painfully out of place.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," South groaned, leaning back against the wall and placing a hand to her head. "Really?!"

North chuckled, swaying slightly to the beat. "Hey, at least it's not dead silence. This is almost relaxing."

Tex rolled her eyes, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward. "I think we've got bigger things to worry about than bad music."

The team exchanged glances, the absurdity of the situation cutting through the tension just enough to bring a few quiet laughs. North lightly, sporadically drummed his fingers against the elevator's rail in time with the music, while Wash glanced at his vambrace, clearly trying to keep his mind occupied.

"You know," York began, grinning, "if this were a heist movie, this is where someone would make a big speech about teamwork and overcoming impossible odds."

"Yeah, and then we'd all start doing finger guns at each other or something," Wash muttered, rolling his eyes. "As if the music alone wasn't all the mission needed as well."

York grinned, swaying slightly to the beat. "Hey, it's catchy. You've gotta admit, it's better than sitting here in total silence. Could be worse."

"How, exactly?" Carolina asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We could be stuck with bad elevator music," York replied, his grin widening. "You know, the kind that makes you want to claw your ears off."

"I think I'd prefer silence," Carolina muttered, though there was a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Wash, glancing nervously at the walls as if they might close in on him, muttered under his breath, "I don't think I've ever been this uncomfortable in an elevator before."

"Relax, rookie," South teased, giving him a light nudge with her elbow. "It's not like the thing's gonna drop us into a pit."

"You don't know that," Wash shot back, clearly not amused. "This is Atlas. For all we know, they've booby-trapped this thing."

York leaned against the wall, crossing his arms and smirking. "I'm going to ignore that golden opportunity you've just graciously presented me. Besides, this would also be the part of that movie where someone would start singing to break the tension."

"No one's singing," Tex said firmly, fixing York with a glare that dared him to even try.

The music continued to play, its cheerful melody an absurd counterpoint to the team's stoic demeanor. After a moment, North started tapping his fingers against the handrail in rhythm with the tune long and loud to prompt a side-eye from Carolina.

"Really, North?" she asked, though her tone was more exasperated than angry.

"What? York's right, it's catchy," North replied with a shrug. "Besides, it beats standing here awkwardly."

As the song reached a jaunty crescendo, York couldn't resist humming along under his breath. Wash shot him a horrified look. "Don't encourage it."

The elevator finally slowed, the music cutting off mid-chorus with an abrupt ding. The sudden silence felt almost jarring after the absurdity of the last few moments. The Freelancers exchanged glances as

the doors slid open, revealing a vast, dimly lit storage bay that stretched far into the distance. Metal crates and shelving units towered overhead, their labels indicating advanced weaponry, prototype armor, and other classified equipment.

"Well, sure looks like someone's been busy," C.T. remarked, stepping out of the elevator and taking in the scene. "Aegis must be down here somewhere."

Carolina motioned for silence, her gaze scanning the room for any signs of movement. "Stay sharp. If this is where they're keeping something as important as Aegis, it's bound to be under heavy surveillance."

Tex nodded, her hand moving instinctively to her sidearm as she stepped forward. "Let's find what we came for and get out of here. Delta, guide us to the target."

Delta's light flickered as he began scanning the bay. "The primary data hub for Project Aegis is located approximately fifty meters ahead, in the central chamber."

Their goal finally in sight, they headed towards the far end of the bay towards the middle of three large sealed doors. A few key commands bypassing with North's hacking skills on the keypad later, the doors slowly unlatched and creaked open. The team stepped fourth into the unknown cautiously, their boots echoing faintly against the metallic floor. The chamber was indeed enormous, its ceilings soaring high above them, and the faint hum of machinery filled the air. And all throughout the room, rows upon rows of hulking bipedal machines lined the space, their sleek, angular forms gleaming under the overhead lights.

South let out a low whistle, her voice tinged with both awe and unease. "Well, I think we found that jackpot."

York's eyes widened as he took in the sight. "Are those…?"

"Mechs," Tex confirmed, her voice grim and wary. She moved closer to one of the massive machines, her gaze sweeping over its imposing frame as she studies its humanoid frame with narrowed eyes. "A whole lot of them, and not like any I've seen back home."

The machines were sleek and polished, their armor gleaming faintly under the overhead lights. Each stood roughly twice the height of a person, with reinforced limbs designed for agility and strength. Their forearms were equipped with integrated weapons, and their shoulders bore compact pods that hinted at hidden ranged capabilities. They looked almost too advanced, their design streamlined and efficient, as if built for both urban combat and open warfare.

North frowned, crossing his arms as he took in the sight. "Whatever these are, they're not on any public roster I've seen. Atlas is keeping these things under wraps."

"Top secret," South muttered, stepping closer to one of the machines. "Figures. This is the kind of thing they'd want to spring on the rest of the world when they need a show of force."

Carolina's face hardened as she scanned the room, her voice tight. "Guys, what exactly are we looking at here?"

Carolina's face hardened as she scanned the rows of machines. "Delta, confirm: is this Project Aegis?"

The AI flickered to life beside her, his voice calm but with a faint note of urgency. "Affirmative, Agent Carolina. The Paladin program is indeed the core of Project Aegis. These units appear to be a classified development within the Atlas military, designed for large-scale combat operations and urban defense. Their specifications suggest they are capable of withstanding significant damage while delivering overwhelming firepower through a husk made for versatility and adaptability in both urban and battlefield scenarios. All this is to say nothing of the potential this would have in combating the Grimm."

"Paladins," Washington repeated, his voice tinged with unease. "They're not just mechs—they're soldiers."

Tex's gaze lingered on the sleek design of the nearest unit. "And not just soldiers. These things are built to outperform anything on the battlefield. Look at the joints—those hydraulics aren't just for brute force; they're for speed and precision."

Wash took a cautious step closer, his eyes scanning the dormant machine. "And those weapons… they're built in. No need for pilots to waste time equipping or reloading. These things are self-contained combat units."

"Atlas is planning something big," Carolina said, her tone grim. "This isn't just about defense. These things are designed to take the fight to someone."

"Great," South said with a scoff. "Because what we really needed was an army of Atlas's fancy toys stomping around and wrecking everything."

York leaned closer to one of the Paladins, his eyes narrowing as he examined its shoulder-mounted weapon pods. "These aren't toys. This is serious hardware. It's almost comparable to what we've got at Gulch. Dare I say it, it might outpace a Mantis in agility and versatility alone."

C.T. took a cautious step closer to one of the mechs, craning his neck to look up at it. "Overwhelming is an understatement. If these readings and your data is right, these things could level a city block."

"Or the entire city," North added, his tone grim.

Tex moved to a nearby console, her fingers flying over the controls as she began accessing the data stored on the machines. "Let's just get what we came for. If these things are operational, we need to know what they're capable of—and how to stop them."

South gestured at one of the mechs with a skeptical look. "How are they keeping this many hidden? This isn't just a secret project; it's an entire army."

"Atlas always was good at keeping secrets," Carolina muttered, her eyes narrowing as she studied the machines. "But this? This changes everything."

As Tex continued working, Delta's voice cut through the quiet. "I recommend haste. While these units are currently dormant, their systems are linked to a central network. It is possible that accessing their data could trigger a security protocol."

York's frown deepened as he stepped back, glancing nervously at the nearest mech. "So, what you're saying is... don't touch anything shiny?"

"Precisely," Delta replied, his tone flat.

The room fell silent as the Freelancers exchanged uneasy glances, the reality of the situation sinking in. If these Paladins were even half as capable as they looked, Atlas wasn't just preparing for war—they were preparing to dominate it. And if Project Aegis was the Paladin program, then Atlas wasn't just preparing for defense—they were gearing up for war. Only question was, against what? Or perhaps, who?

The steady hum of the room abruptly ceased, plunging the storage bay into silence. The overhead lights flickered once, twice, and then went completely dark, leaving only the faint glow of emergency lighting scattered throughout the massive space.

"What the hell just happened?" South hissed, her voice echoing in the sudden quiet.

"I didn't touch anything!" York said quickly, holding up his hands defensively. "I was just looking!"

Carolina shot him a sharp look, her voice low but firm. "Everyone stay calm. Tex, what did you—"

"Don't even start," Tex interrupted, glaring at her. "I didn't do anything either. Whatever this is, it's not us."

"Delta," Washington whispered urgently, his head darting around as he tried to spot any movement in the darkness. "What's going on?"

Delta's calm voice replied, "It appears the primary power to this facility has been disabled. However, I am detecting activity at the main entry doors."

The Freelancers froze as the sound of heavy mechanisms echoed through the room. At the far end of the bay, the massive main doors groaned open, the sharp squeal of metal against metal sending a chill through the group. Without a word, they instinctively ducked into the shadows, pressing themselves against walls and behind crates, their breaths held tight.

A lone Atlas soldier stepped cautiously into the room, his head swiveling as he scanned the area. The glow of his visor reflected faintly in the dim light, and his shifty eyes darted from one corner to the next, his posture tense.

"Who's that?" Wash whispered, barely audible as he crouched behind a stack of crates.

"No idea," Tex murmured back, her gaze fixed on the soldier as he continued his slow, deliberate sweep of the room.

The soldier took another step forward, tilting his head slightly as if listening for something. After a moment, he relaxed, lowering his weapon and turning back toward the door. "All clear," he called out, his voice echoing in the vast space.

The Freelancers tensed as a new set of figures stepped into view. At the head of the group was a man in a crisp white suit and a bowler hat, his orange hair practically glowing in the faint light. He twirled a sleek cane in his gloved hand, his stride confident and relaxed despite the tension in the air.

Behind him was a petite woman with mismatched eyes—one brown, the other pink—and a parasol resting over her shoulder. Her expression was unreadable, but her gaze flicked over the room with sharp precision. Following them were a handful of rough-looking goons, each armed and carrying an air of practiced menace.

"Okay, who are they?" York whispered, his voice tinged with curiosity as he peeked around the edge of his hiding spot.

"Analyzing," Delta replied quietly. After a brief pause, his light flickered. "The individual in white is Roman Torchwick, a known criminal operating in Vale. He is affiliated with various thefts and smuggling operations, including Dust robberies. The female companion is Neo Politan, his suspected accomplice. She is known for her silent demeanor and extensive combat proficiency."

Tex frowned, her eyes narrowing as she studied the group. "And the thugs?"

"Likely Torchwick's associates," Delta replied. "They are not officially recorded as Atlas personnel. Their presence here suggests an unauthorized operation."

Carolina's grip on her weapon tightened as she leaned closer to Tex. "Why would Atlas security let a group like this waltz in here?"

The Freelancers stayed frozen in the shadows as Torchwick and his entourage began spreading out across the storage bay, their movements deliberate and coordinated. The Atlas soldier who had led them in lingered near the door, his rifle slung lazily over his shoulder and his eyes scanning the room with forced nonchalance. There was something about his posture—relaxed, almost smug—that made it clear he wasn't just following orders.

"Dirty soldier," Tex murmured under her breath. "Looks like he's helping them for a payday."

The Freelancers exchanged uneasy glances from their hiding spots, each of them silently debating their next move.

"What's the play?" Wash whispered, his voice barely audible as the Freelancers crouched in the shadows, eyes fixed on the unfolding scene. "Do we stop them?"

"No! Stay put," Tex sharply whispered back, her gaze locked on Roman Torchwick and his group as they spread out through the storage bay. She took a moment to recompose herself and take a calmer approach, shaking her head. Her tone took on a calm but firm tone. "No. We're here for recon duty; to observe and gather intel, not start a firefight. If we give ourselves away now, we lose everything."

"Seriously?" South hissed, her tone dripping with disbelief. "You want us to just sit here while they waltz off with those?" She gestured subtly toward the Paladins, her expression a mix of anger and frustration.

"Our mission is the data," Tex snapped back. "We can't blow our cover over some mechs."

"Some mechs?" South scoffed. "These aren't just,—they're top-of-the-line weapons Atlas doesn't even want the public to know about! If these criminals get their hands on them—"

"We'll know exactly where they're taking them because we'll have the data," Tex interrupted, her voice icy. "That's the whole point of this mission, South. Try to keep up."

C.T. leaned closer, her expression skeptical. "And what if they figure out how to activate those things before we're done snooping around? You really think we'll have the luxury of just walking out of here?"

Tex's jaw tightened, her tone firm. "If they activate them, we'll deal with it then. But not before. Going loud now jeopardizes everything."

"You mean like every mission you've ever been on?" South muttered under her breath, earning a sharp glare from Tex.

"And what do you think's gonna happen if we get into a firefight with those odds?" Tex shot back, her voice low but cutting. "You want to die or get us captured for a couple of stolen toys?"

C.T. frowned, shifting her weight as she crouched behind a stack of crates. "This is a waste of time. We've already got the data. We could take them down now and cripple whatever they're planning."

"That's not the mission," Tex said sharply, fixing C.T. with a glare. "We're here to gather information and that's it! If we're lucky, they'll show us exactly how they plan to move these things and who else they may working with."

"And if we're not lucky?" South retorted, her voice dripping with skepticism.

"Then we deal with it," Tex replied, her tone brooking no argument. "But not before."

As the two locked eyes in a tense standoff, Carolina, crouched nearby, took a deep breath, her focus shifting from the argument to the scene in front of her. Her gaze hardened as she watched Roman twirl his cane, his smug demeanor grating on her nerves.

"Carolina, don't," Tex warned, her voice low but firm.

"Don't you dare soldier! Stay put, that's an order!" But Carolina wasn't listening. With a sudden burst of motion, she darted out of cover, moving toward Torchwick and his crew with the speed and precision of a trained fighter.

"Damn it," Tex muttered.

. . .

The Atlas soldier leaned casually against the doorframe, his rifle slung lazily over his shoulder as he surveyed the storage bay. The Paladins stood in imposing rows, their sleek frames catching the faint emergency lighting, casting long shadows across the room. The soldier tried to ignore the unease creeping at the edge of his mind. He reminded himself that this wasn't the first time he'd stood in this exact spot, playing babysitter to the infamous Roman Torchwick and his crew of thugs. It had become a lucrative side hustle—unlocking doors, looking the other way, and giving them free rein in exchange for a hefty payout.

Torchwick strolled between the dormant mechs, twirling his cane in a way that seemed both casual and deliberate, his polished shoes clicking against the floor. "Ah, take it in, boys," he said, his voice dripping with mock reverence. "Atlas at its finest. Weapons of war, sitting here collecting dust, just waiting for someone with vision to put them to proper use."

Neo followed silently at his side, her mismatched eyes glinting with curiosity as she studied the Paladins. She spun her parasol lazily, though her body language betrayed her readiness to strike at a moment's notice. The goons trailing them were less composed, their footsteps shuffling awkwardly as they exchanged glances, some clearly more nervous than others.

"You're paying me for access, not commentary," the soldier muttered, shifting his weight and pretending not to care. He glanced over his shoulder at the darkened corridor beyond the door, listening for any sign of unwanted visitors. "Just get what you came for and go."

Torchwick turned toward him, his cane pausing mid-spin. "My dear friend, I would've thought you'd appreciate a bit of flair. It's not every day you get to see history in the making."

The soldier rolled his eyes, forcing himself to laugh. "Yeah, sure. Whatever gets me my paycheck."

Torchwick chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Oh, you'll get your money. Don't worry about that. But I have to say, it's nice to work with someone who understands the importance of loyalty. You've been quite the asset."

The soldier shifted uncomfortably under the praise, his eyes darting toward Neo, who was now perched on the base of a Paladin's foot, inspecting it like a curious cat. Something about her silence unnerved him more than Torchwick's constant talking. He cleared his throat, trying to regain focus. "How exactly are you planning to move these things without making a ruckus, anyway? They're not exactly subtle and I'm not seeing that sound-canceling guy you've usually had with you."

Torchwick's grin widened as he tapped the side of his cane. "Ah, but that's the beauty of it, isn't it? Subtlety is overrated. With a few clever tweaks, these beauties will be ready to walk themselves right out of here with all the grace of a Goliath."

The soldier frowned, glancing at the Paladins again. He'd always assumed Torchwick was just a well-dressed thief with an ego. Now, standing in the shadow of these mechanical giants, he began to wonder if he'd underestimated him. "You sure you've got the time for that? Atlas doesn't mess around."

"Relax," Torchwick said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "We've done this before, haven't we? No one's caught on yet. Why should tonight be any different?"

Before the soldier could respond, a faint sound caught his ear. It was quick—almost imperceptible—but enough to make him turn toward the shadows. "Did you hear that?"

Neo's parasol snapped shut with a soft click, drawing the soldier's attention. She tilted her head, her gaze fixed on something in the shadows at the edge of the room. The soldier followed her line of sight but saw nothing. Still, his unease grew. "You sure we're alone?"

Torchwick raised an eyebrow, following Neo's gaze. He squinted into the darkness, his grip on the cane tightening slightly. "If you've got rats, I expect you to deal with them."

The soldier took a cautious step forward, his fingers brushing the strap of his rifle. "Probably nothing. I'll check it out."

His boots echoed faintly as he moved further into the room, his eyes scanning the dimly lit corners. He thought he saw something—a flicker of movement, a shift in the shadows—but before he could react, a sharp thud made him spin around.

A figure had landed atop one of the crates near the Paladins, illuminated by the faint glow of the emergency lights. The soldier's heart sank as he recognized the unmistakable stance of someone who wasn't supposed to be there.

"Step away from the behemoths of destruction and put your hands in the air, because you're all in big trouble and I do mean big," the Aqua suit of strange full-body armor commanded with the distinct voice of a woman, her voice sharp and authoritative as the weapons she carried.

Torchwick froze for a split second before regaining his composure. He clapped his hands slowly, his grin returning. "Well, well, well, looks like we have ourselves some company. I do love a dramatic entrance. And here I thought tonight would be dull."

Neo's parasol twitched in her grip, her mismatched eyes narrowing as she studied the newcomer. The goons muttered among themselves, unsure whether to advance or wait for orders.

"Last chance," the woman said, her voice unwavering. "Leave now unless you want to be painfully rendered unconscious."

Torchwick sighed theatrically, leaning on his cane. "You see, I'd love to accommodate you, truly. But you're standing between me and my next big payday. So, I'm afraid this is where the pleasantries end."

With a subtle flick of his cane, he gestured to his men. "Boys, show our guest the door."

The goons surged forward, and the soldier instinctively backed toward the shadows, wanting no part of what was about to happen. The lady leapt from the crate, landing in the midst of the charging attackers with a precision that made the soldier's jaw drop. She moved like a whirlwind, disarming one thug with a sharp twist and sending another sprawling with a calculated sweep of her leg.

Torchwick stepped back, his grin fading slightly as he watched her work. "Well, that's… inconvenient."

Neo darted forward, her parasol snapping open as she joined the fray. She moved with the grace of a dancer, her strikes swift and deliberate as she forced the mysterious woman onto the defensive. The dirty soldier could only watch, frozen in place, as the room began to erupt into chaos, he knew he should've called in sick today.

. . .

Tex hissed from the shadows, her voice filled with frustration. "Damn it, Carolina. How many times do I have to bail your volatile ass out of trouble!?"

"Are we just going to sit here?" South snapped, already drawing her weapon. "She's outnumbered."

York cracked his knuckles, stepping forward. "Guess we're not sitting this one out."

"Ughh," Tex growled. "When this is over, SOMEONE'S ass is getting mounted to the wall."

And with that, the freelancers charged in, moving as one, a coordinated storm of precision and force erupting from the shadows. They burst into the open with an almost predatory grace, their boots hitting the floor in unison and their weapons raised, a silent testament to their training. The storage bay transformed into a chaotic battleground in an instant, the previously quiet tension shattering under the force of their arrival. It wasn't just an attack—it was a statement, a reminder of why the Freelancers were so feared.

York led the charge, a mischievous grin splitting his face as he intercepted the nearest thug with a sweeping kick that sent the man's weapon clattering to the floor. He followed up with a quick uppercut that dropped the goon where he stood, barely sparing him a glance as he spun toward the next target. North was close behind, his movements fluid and calculated, taking out two assailants with a well-placed strike to one's solar plexus before flipping the other into a stack of crates with a satisfying crash.

Tex, a blur of efficiency, darted toward Neo with surgical precision, meeting the smaller woman's parasol with her own blade. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed, the rapid cadence of their strikes filling the air with sharp, metallic echoes. Neo's movements were almost hypnotic, her petite frame weaving around Tex with a dancer's grace, but Tex's unrelenting focus kept her one step ahead, each strike designed to test and exploit her opponent's defenses.

South, ever the brawler, waded into the fray with an audible growl. She grabbed one of the thugs by the collar, slamming him against a Paladin's leg with enough force to rattle the mech's dormant frame. "You picked the wrong side tonight," she hissed, throwing the man to the ground and immediately turning to deliver a brutal kick to another goon's knee, sending him sprawling.

Wash moved with practiced precision, his focus narrowing on the crooked soldier. The man fumbled with his rifle, his earlier smugness replaced with wide-eyed panic as Wash disarmed him in one smooth motion, twisting the weapon free and tossing it aside. "Your lucky streak ends here," Wash muttered, driving the soldier backward with a sharp elbow to the chest before shoving him toward a stack of unconscious goons.

Carolina, still locked in combat with two of Torchwick's thugs, moved like a force of nature. She ducked under a wild swing, using the momentum to sweep the attacker's legs out from under him before pivoting into a sharp elbow strike that sent the second man reeling. She glanced toward Tex, catching a brief glimpse of her sparring with Neo, their clash of skill and precision almost mesmerizing amidst the chaos.

Torchwick stood back, his cane tapping idly against the floor as he watched the scene with a mixture of irritation and begrudging amusement. "Well, this is certainly more than I bargained for," he muttered, spinning his cane absently. "You're a stubborn lot, aren't you?"

As the Freelancers began to gain the upper hand, the thugs' movements grew more erratic, their earlier confidence evaporating under the relentless assault. But the fight wasn't over—not yet.

With a flicker of green light, Delta's voice crackled into Carolina's earpiece. "Agent Carolina, I must advise that continued engagement at this intensity will likely attract unwanted attention."

"Noted," Carolina grunted, dodging a swing aimed at her head and retaliating with a quick jab to her opponent's ribs.

"Delta's right," Tex called out, her voice sharp as she parried another strike from Neo. "Let's wrap this up before Atlas security crashes the party."

"Fine by me," York replied, his grin widening as he activated his armor enhancement. In an instant, he became a blur, his enhanced speed allowing him to close the gap between himself and two remaining goons in the blink of an eye. They didn't stand a chance—York's rapid strikes disarmed and incapacitated them before they even had time to react.

South, not to be outdone, activated her own enhancement, her movements growing more aggressive and forceful. She grabbed another thug by the arm, twisting it behind his back with ease before slamming him into the ground. The crack of his armor against the floor was almost drowned out by her triumphant snarl.

Tex, ever efficient, used her enhanced strength to counter Neo's relentless agility. With a single, powerful strike, she sent Neo skidding backward, the smaller woman flipping gracefully to regain her footing. Tex didn't wait for a counterattack, lunging forward and forcing Neo onto the defensive.

Carolina's armor enhancement kicked in next, amplifying her already impressive reflexes. She moved like lightning, weaving through her opponents' attacks with an almost preternatural speed. Her strikes were precise and devastating, each one landing with the force of a small explosion. She dispatched the last of the goons with a roundhouse kick that sent the man flying into a stack of crates, which collapsed with a deafening crash.

The rumble of approaching footsteps echoed from the corridor outside the bay, growing louder with each passing second. The Freelancers paused, their heads snapping toward the sound in unison.

"Guards," Wash said, his voice tense. "We've got company."

Torchwick, noticing the shift in their focus, straightened his bowler hat with a dramatic sigh. "And here I thought we were just starting to have fun." He tapped his cane against the floor, a familiar smug grin spreading across his face. "Neo, darling, I think it's time we took our leave."

Neo, still smirking despite the fight, twirled her parasol one last time before retreating to Torchwick's side. The remaining goons, battered and bruised but still conscious, scrambled to follow, along with a single Paladin frame that Roman refused to part with despite the whole operation going SNAFU.

The man himself turned to address the Freelancers, his tone theatrical. "This has been delightful, truly, but I'm afraid I must bid you adieu. Do try to stay out of trouble—you lot seem to be the type to attract it like moths to a flame. A shame I couldn't get to see any of you beneath those rather impressive helmets, but I suppose you can't win them all. Until next time…" Torchwick tipped his hat with a flourish before disappearing behind the side doors, Neo close behind, no doubt to a secret route they had taken to get in.

Carolina took a step forward, ready to give chase, but Tex's hand shot out, gripping her arm like a vice. "No. Let them go."

"They're getting away!" Carolina snapped, glaring at Tex.

"And if you follow them, you're going to run headfirst into Atlas security," Tex shot back, her voice cold. "Think, Carolina. The mission comes first."

York stepped forward, placing a calming hand on Carolina's shoulder. "She's right. We've got the data, and we've got the advantage. Let's not throw it away."

Carolina hesitated, her jaw tight with frustration, but she finally relented with a sharp nod. "Fine. Let's move."

As the Freelancers slipped out through the hidden elevator, they left behind a room filled with unconscious thugs, battered crates, and the crooked soldier at the top of the pile. The sound of guards rushing into the bay echoed faintly behind them as the doors slid shut.

. . .

The squadron of guards moved with precision and urgency, their boots clattering against the metal flooring as they swept down the corridor toward the high-priority storage bay. Alarms blared faintly in the distance, but here, near the heart of the facility, the noise was dampened by thick steel walls and a growing tension. Rifles were raised, safeties clicked off, and their formation tightened as they approached the reinforced doors leading into the mech storage area. The squad leader at the front barked a series of hand signals, instructing two soldiers to flank the entrance while the others held their positions.

With a hydraulic hiss, the doors slid open. The lead guard took point, his weapon sweeping left to right as he stepped inside, only to stop short. His eyes narrowed, the barrel of his gun lowering ever so slightly. "What the…?"

The scene before them was nothing short of chaos. Bodies were sprawled across the floor—goons in mismatched uniforms and dark attire, groaning in pain or completely unconscious. Crates lay overturned, their contents strewn about like the aftermath of a storm. And at the center of it all, tied up like a prize turkey, was one of their own: the very soldier who'd been stationed at this facility. His helmet was slightly askew, his face red with fury and humiliation as he glared daggers at the guards now staring at him.

The squad leader lowered his weapon fully, stepping closer to the bound man. "Corporal Harlen?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What the hell happened here?"

Harlen grunted against his gag, thrashing slightly as if to convey his indignation. One of the other guards moved forward to untie him, though not without a muttered, "Looks like someone's side hustle just bit him in the ass."

A ripple of snickers went through the squad, though the leader silenced them with a sharp glance. He crouched next to Harlen, yanking the gag free. "Start talking. Now."

"It—it wasn't my fault!" Harlen sputtered, his voice hoarse. "They… they came out of nowhere. Shadows, man, shadows! It was like ghosts or something—" He stopped himself, realizing how insane he sounded. "Look, I didn't sign up for this! They hit us before we could do anything!"

The leader's eyes narrowed. "They? Who's 'they'? And don't feed me some line about ghosts."

Harlen hesitated, his gaze flickering toward the unconscious bodies of Torchwick's crew. "I don't know, okay? They weren't with these guys. They were… different. Fast. Trained. Seriously armored. One of 'em nearly took my head off!"

The guards exchanged uneasy glances. The squad leader straightened, his frown deepening. "Secure the area and call for reinforcements. If there's an unidentified group running ops in our facility, I want to know everything about them. And Harlen—" He shot the soldier a withering glare. "Don't even think about moving. You've got a lot to answer for."

. . .

As the Freelancers were already making their exit back up through the facility's labyrinthine corridors, they moved quickly but quietly, their movements a testament to the hours upon hours of training and familiarity with high-stakes missions. Despite their professionalism, the air buzzed with adrenaline and a tinge of frustration.

"Next time, soldier," Tex hissed as they navigated a particularly narrow passage, "try not to blow our cover until after we've left the building. You've got a real talent for turning 'stealth op' into 'demolition derby.'"

"Your complaints are noted," Carolina replied curtly, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. "But at least we accomplished the mission."

"Barely," Wash muttered. "You know, some of us like not being shot at."

"Speak for yourself," South chimed in with a smirk. "I thought it was fun."

"Fun?" York said, glancing back at her. "You have a very warped idea of fun, South."

As they rounded a corner, Delta's voice cut through their chatter. "The facility's alarm system is re-calibrating. I estimate approximately two minutes before reinforcements locate this sector. I would suggest haste."

Tex shot Carolina a pointed look. "You heard the AI. Let's move."

They reached a new secret elevator, one that would quickly and discreetly cut them back up to the Academy floors, and quickly piled in, the doors sliding shut just as the distant sound of shouting guards echoed down the hall. The ride back up was a tense one, though York attempted to lighten the mood.

"Think they'll notice we left a little present down there?" he asked, referring to the bound-and-gagged Harlen.

"I hope they do," Tex said flatly. "That dirtbag traitor deserves everything coming his way."

By the time they reached the campus levels, the Freelancers were in full-on escape mode. Deactivating their armors and returning to their uniforms, sticking to the shadows and utilizing Delta's guidance, they slipped through the halls with practiced ease, avoiding random staff patrols and security cameras. Finally, after several moments of ducking behind walls, plants, and various décor across the sprawling Atlas campus quiet except for the distant hum of automated patrol drones, their dormitory was just a short sprint away, and with no hesitation they dove in with reckless abandon.

Taking a moment to catch their breath from all the stealth and rushing adrenaline, the cheery face of a staff aide peeked into their dorm, completing his final curfew check with a curt nod after accounting for the students within and retracted himself, his fading footsteps marking his leave.

Several moments of silence later, the group finally took notice of the two forms to the left, revealing a smug Wyoming and a grumbling Maine handing him a set of fives, apparently having betted on how long they would take.

"Took you lot long enough," Wyoming drawled, lounging against the wall with an easy grin. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten yourselves killed."

"Wouldn't that have been a shame," South muttered, earning a chuckle from York.

Maine grunted in acknowledgment, his towering frame taking up most of the corner he occupied. He gestured to the clock on the wall, a silent reminder besides curfew, it was about time they began their final reports before turning in for the night.

"We made it, didn't we?" Carolina said, brushing past him to collapse into a chair. "Mission accomplished."

"For now," Tex said, her tone sharp. "Let's not forget that we've probably just painted a massive target on our backs. If Atlas figures out who we are—"

"They won't," Wash interjected, though his expression was less confident than his words. "We covered our tracks. Right, Delta?"

"Indeed," Delta replied. "However, I must caution that our presence here has likely raised suspicions. Future operations may require additional precautions."

"Great," York said, flopping onto his bunk. "Because sneaking around a military academy wasn't already stressful enough."

The room settled into a tense silence, broken only by the occasional murmur of conversation as the team began to unwind, all while outside, the distant sounds of Atlas's security forces continued their search, unaware that their quarry was already long gone.

It wasn't until after Tex had completed her report for command did her thoughts finally drift back to a certain someone absent throughout her day

'. . . You know, he's probably getting ready for bed right now… ah what the hell, one call won't hurt.'

The freelancer sat at a nearby chair as she grabbed a data pad, seeing that the signal strength was stable, she then pressed one of the contact buttons that contained his profile as she started the call. It took a few seconds to respond until his face appeared on the screen.

"What's up?" she greeted him first with a smirk.

Church's face was filled with surprise after hearing that. "Wait, Tex? Didn't know you'd be the one starting this"

"Why act so surprised? I'd begrudgingly made it my task now to check up on you bumbling dorks from time to time" she humorously added in the end.

The other freelancers who were chatting heard what was going on and stopped their conversation, a bit intrigued as to who Tex was talking to.

"Probably that boyfriend of hers I presume." South muttered.

"Jealous?" her brother ribbed. South look appalled by that. "Oh, fuck no. I ain't settling for some moronic halfwits."

"Better be careful. Tex seems pretty defensive when it comes to them, or more specifically, him." North could only shake his head. "Anyhow, it's time for us to be getting back to our dorm. We're already past curfew as it is."

Maine made a guttural mutter that sounded like a hum of agreement. The hulking freelancer stood up as he already made his way out, followed by C.T. and South Dakota. North and York exchanged curt nods as he followed them soon after.

"Well then, cheerio to you my chaps. It's time I also head back to the Mother of Invention. The Director needed me to scout the cityscapes tomorrow." Wyoming said to them as he stood up.

"Wait, why are you here?" Washington asked.

"Our dear Director thought it'd be best to send me as backup in case this mission of yours goes awry. Turns out his worries were unfounded. Maine managed to help me sneak in here, but don't worry. I'll manage to see myself out posthaste."

Now, the only ones left were the trio of Wash, York and Carolina who sat there in silence.

"Wanna see what they're talking about?" York nudged to the rookie.

"It'll be your graves." Carolina piped up.

"Oh, come on Carolina. Don't tell me you're not the least bit curious by what those two are conversing?"

The red-haired member answered after a few moments. "Fair point."

Washington, however looked hesitant. "Isn't that a breach of privacy?"

Before he could say anything more, he overheard Church ask.

"So, how's your team doing over there?"

That caused the rookie freelancer to smile. Seeing that it will be just fine, he went over to join in on what was supposedly a moment between Tex and the blue Sim Trooper.

"We're doing just fine if you're curious." Wash answered as he peered over, Tex looking surprised at his action. York and Carolina shared a look before approaching over to reign in their teammate.

"Hey Wash, it's – wait, hang on a sec. Caboose, watch it! Fuck, shi-"

Tex and Washington noticed Church seemed to be struggling on his end, as if he was fighting for control over the device. It wasn't until a new voice and face that barged in the conversation that proved their assumptions.

"Agent Washingtub! Hello! Can you see me!?"

Wash only looked more delighted by the antics of the Sim Trooper. "Hey Caboose, buddy! You guys doing good yourselves?"

"Oh, Wash you would not believe it. We fought a match earlier against some very, very mean people and some who are not as mean, and then we won! And then we also not won!"

"Caboose, no need to tell them the last part!" They heard Tucker yell in the background.

"Will you morons shut up!? Caboose, get lost. You're interrupting my call." Church said as he wrestled free the device from Caboose's grip.

"Oops, sorry."

"Caboose, don't interrupt their pillow talk." Tucker added. Church tried to deny it.

"It's not like that fucktard."

"Yeah! Stupid Tucker, there are no pillows here."

"Caboose, scram!"

Washington and Tex could only smile at what was going on. The latter, though she'll not openly admit it, felt some sense of nostalgia clawing in her mind. Honestly, she did miss it a little bit, the non-stop blabbering, arguing and just whatever nonsense the troopers cooked up during their time at Blood Gulch. But now, it was time to take things back on track, to what she had originally intended.

"You too Wash, go on, shoo."

"But-

Before he could argue, the rookie felt a hand on his shoulder. "Come one dude, let's just hear it from the sidelines."

York pulled him over as Carolina glanced at Tex. "You could have used headphones." She suggested as she followed them. Tex could only sigh as she stared back at her pad, it was just back to the two of them now.

"You look tired." Church observed.

Tex smirked at his remark. "Am I that easy to read now?"

"Hey, for all that time we spent together, I'm bound to pick up some hints. I'm not that dull."

"That is up for debate."

"But seriously though, you seem more out of it than usual. Did something happen?" Church pressed on.

'He's more attentive than what I'd give him credit for.'

She can't spill about what they had done, along with most almost every mission the Director sent them. It was highly confidential. So, with years of practiced efficiency of dodging their questions through the times she was stationed with the Blues, she covered it up with a lie.

"Oh, we're just tired from class, that's all. You wouldn't believe the amount of resources Atlas has in making combat droids to test students." She spoke with confidence.

Church, a bit tentative, relaxed and believed what she had said. "That's it? Wow, who'd thought some measly droids almost got the best of you. And you say you'd wipe out an entire insurrectionist cell no sweat." He teased.

Tex could only scoff at that. "Shut it you."

"Well, if you must know. We have aura now."

Her eyes widened at that statement. "How did that happen?"

Church grinned at her reaction. "Well, it was thanks to Locus and Felix. If it weren't for them, we'd turn into paste during combat class. We would have used the armor, but that would just easily give us away. Who knows, with this aura boost we have now, I'd probably become a freelancer candidate."

"You're swinging too far for your own good, asshole."

The leader of the Blues looked annoyed at that. "You really love to just put me down don't you, woman?"

She chuckled at that. "Well, someone needs to keep your feet on the ground. Also, it's a good thing those mercenaries unlocked yours. This operation of ours can't afford to take any casualties. Plus, good thinking on not using your armor."

"This genius of mine, it's so unparalleled."

She then decided to change topics. "So, I've heard about this combat class. Mind telling me what exactly went down?"

Before Church could respond, Tucker decided to interject. "You just had to be there. We kicked ass! Well, almost kicked ass."

"If you didn't add that last part, I wouldn't have believed you."

"Must you doubt our skills?" Tucker dramatically asked. Tex could only raise an eyebrow at that.

"Fine. To be fair though, we actually held up pretty good. Church finally managed to put in the work you pummeled into him."

Church then took over the conversation.

"Yeah. If I'm being honest, I've lasted far longer in that bout than us sparring. It's probably because my skills improved so to speak."

"Or your competition probably wasn't as good as me."

"Pyrrha was pretty good" Church spoke up. Unaware of what was going to happen soon.

"And she's pretty hot too! She looks exactly like Carolina" Tucker unhelpfully added. The three other freelancers were now even more intrigued.

"What?" Tex asked. The duo of sim troopers not noticing the tone in her voice.

"You know I can hear you, Tucker." Carolina spoke up but had a smug grin on her face, picking up the change in mood Tex had.

"Eeep! Don't shoot me! Oh, wait. You're on another continent, hahaha…" Tucker could only laugh uneasy on their end. "That aside, so is Yang."

"Yeah, Yang and her team are good" Church agreed "even that white-haired bi- hey uh, Tex, you okay there?" he had to stop as he felt something gnawing at him.

Church could see her smile on the screen which was pretty sure was forced, and her eyes looked especially soulless. If the looks she was giving him could kill, he was pretty sure he'd be buried six feet, no scratch that, several thousand feet below Remnant's surface.

The dark aura she was emanating somehow managed to affect both him and Tucker, even it was virtual. On Tex's side, the rest of her roommates could feel it radiating. Even Carolina had to back off, understanding the current predicament they have right now.

"Tex?" Church uneasily asked.

"Oh, no, no. I'm fine. No need to worry about me Lenny" that false saccharine response from her did not reassure him. "So, tell me, who exactly is this Yang and Pyrrha, hm?"

---

Church was now sweating bullets. He turned to his teammate who was somehow on the far end of their dorm room.

"Tread lightly dude, tread lightly."

Oh, fuck that douchebag. This was going to be a long night for him. But not before reminding himself to ask for her scroll's number after this talk he was going to be getting. Was this any different from their usual situations back at Blood Gulch? No, not really. It definitely reminded him that time when Grif's sister was added to his team. Wonder what she's doing now these days?

He's thankful to his lucky stars that Tex wasn't in their dorm room to shoot at them for this misunderstanding. Never a dull moment in this accursed life of his, it seems.

---

END.

A/N. Massive Thanks to Agent K-47 once again for help. Dude is phenomenal, honestly. He must have a partner called Agent R-15, eh? Eh? No? Just me? Aight, I'll see myself out.

maus69420 signing out, adios!