• Date: January 22, 2183


  
• Time: 8:25 AM


  
• Location: UGS Yorktown Hangar Bay


  

  ''I don't get it...''

  ''...We lost him on Mars ten years ago. So why did he pop out now?''

  Nomad complained, recalling that just a few hours earlier, they had discovered the identity of the Ghost Operative stranded on the Kaynian Frigate. Although he wasn't particularly fond of I.C.E.'s methods regarding its operatives, he at least wanted to know how ''he'' had survived. The last time he had heard about him was from his commander, West, and he wasn't sure what had happened to ''him.'' Aside from I.C.E. and Tale, everyone else had been left in the dark.

  ''This sounds too convenient if you ask me, Bishop.''

  ''How so?''

  ''I mean, he was wearing MK48! An outdated power armor model that was used during the First Contact War! If I.C.E. shenanigans roped in Tale, they could at least give him the same power armor we use!''

  ''Hmm, I get it. You're confused, and we all are...''

  "...We may not know how Tale reappeared this far out in space, still wearing the same power armor from ten years ago. The damage—likely from a Kaynian Energy Saber—suggests he has been active, but let us not assume that I.C.E. was involved. For all we know, they are just as clueless as we are."

  The dark-skinned Ghost responded to his counterpart. In truth, he was more interested in cleaning his MK20 Anti Material Rifle than worrying about the reappearance of ''him''. Although it did make him cautious of their comrade, it's not exactly comforting when a supposed dead operative comes back to life and takes control of a Kaynian Frigate.

  ''It's not natural, Bishop.''

  ''And I am not arguing with that. The commander will handle Tale when the time comes, but right now, we wait.''

  ''Hmpf! That doesn't mean I have to like it!''

  ''Didn't say you have to.''

  Nomad pouted as he stared at their stealth ship, UGS Howling Knight. The ship was currently being operated by their A.I. on board and was keeping pace with the entire strike group. Most importantly, they were headed to Eden, the first planet colonized outside the Sol System. And with the confirmation that Kaynians were creeping into U.G.E. space, the colonies were on full alert.

  'I wish West wasn't so quiet about this, but it's not like he knows what's happening either...'

  '...Maybe I'm just worried, but why would I? I barely know the guy, and most conversations I ever held with him were mostly grunts and shrugs. Then, why? Is this some human emotion bullshit? Is that it?'

  The close-quarters specialist contemplated. It's never disclosed to the entire A.F.E. that Ghost Operatives sometimes have trouble coping with their emotions. Nomad was currently suffering about how he would welcome and accept his fellow Ghost back into S.&.S. The problem was he wasn't confident about his social skills, a common issue most operatives have when interacting with their fellow soldier outside of fighting or completing a mission.

  ''Bishop, Nomad.''

  However, Nomad's thoughts would be cut short as Commander West approached them. The old commander did not dawn his helmet and had it on his hip as he strode to his subordinates.

  ''Sir!''

  ''Sir!''

  Immediately, he and Bishop stood up and saluted to their commander. Of course, it didn't take long for both of them to notice that their commander wasn't wearing his helmet, exposing his aged features, such as his gray hair and wrinkled face.

  ''At ease.''

  West gave the order, and his subordinates complied. He handed over a holo pad detailing their new orders and the circumstances surrounding their recovered comrade. The two operatives eagerly received the holo pad and observed its contents, and from what they expected, it wasn't much.

  ''That's our orders from I.C.E.''

  Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

  The commander answered as the two operatives stared at the holo pad before putting it down. Something was amiss about their new orders. Usually, it came down to either a reconnaissance mission or venturing into deep space to observe potential alien activity. But now, it wasn't the case: it was odd for them to be assigned to an escort mission.

  ''We'll escort Tale to Doctor Hyle Schwarz, commander?''

  ''Indeed Bishop as I.C.E. has deemed it necessary to observe the changes to Tale's body from his long deployment, or so I have been told.''

  ''Sir, permission to speak?''

  ''Granted, what is it?''

  ''Tale was assigned to a deployment outside of U.G.E. space?''

  ''Indeed, but I don't believe that to be true...''

  ''...I was there when Tale supposedly ''died'' after Operation Shadow Bite. I classified him as K.I.A. I carried the burden of his death much like those that had served beside me. And to think that I.C.E. knows what happened, bullshit. They're just interested in how he survived and where he's been.''

  ''So, they are as clueless as we are.''

  West didn't need to say a word; just a nod is all it takes to confirm Bishop's response. The Ghosts of Sword and Shield couldn't help but feel a hint of anger in their veins. Although, they couldn't exactly turn their backs on I.C.E., whether they liked or hated them. They were the key to guaranteeing the survival of Earth and Her People, no matter the cost.

  ''So when are we going?''

  Nomad chimed in, opening another front for their conversation. By now, he understood how shady I.C.E. had been, but it wasn't their job to complain about it. Ghost Operatives were designed to carry out missions on behalf of I.C.E., serving the interests of the U.G.E. They had no say in whatever their superiors thought was necessary.

  ''When the strike group exits real space jump. Then, we'll report immediately to the Vice Admiral on the bridge. Afterward, it's our mission to escort Tale to the research facility in Eden, codename Gilgamesh.''

  ''Understood-''

  Before Nomad could complete his sentence, Yorktown simultaneously exited the real space jump and arrived at their destination, Eden. The planet had the A.F.E. Second Fleet of one hundred vessels strong and forming its defenses. Ships of all sizes were present to defend this colony, from the flagship UGS New Jersey, an Iowa Class Super Carrier, to the various battle carriers, auxiliary ships, heavy cruisers, light cruisers, destroyers, and corvettes guarding Eden.

  *1× UGS New Jersey Super Carrier*

  *3× Essex Class Battle Carrier*

  *10× Victory Class Auxiliary Ship*

  *6× Yamato Class Heavy Cruiser*

  *12× Bismarck Class Light Cruiser*

  *27× Fletcher Class Destroyer*

  *41× Stalingrad Class Corvette*

  A ring of the famed H.E.L. cannon platforms remained stable in orbit. Meanwhile, the space station Atlantis stood ready to receive the strike group for docking.

  [Attention all personnel! We have arrived at our destination! I repeat! We have reached Eden!]

  Luck, the A.I. in charge of Yorktown's systems, announced throughout the intercom. Meanwhile, Sword and Shield reoriented themselves as they realized they'd arrived at their destination. Looking at the commander, the close-quarter specialist saw the aged Ghost Operative sigh as they needed to rush things.

  ''Looks like we're going earlier than usual. The Vice Admiral must want to report back to the Fleet Admiral post haste. I can't blame him after seeing a Kaynian Frigate appear this close to Eden...''

  ''...We're left to pick up the pace, Ghosts. Ready your gear because after the briefing with the admiral finishes. We're moving out. Understood?''

  West stated, gaining affirming nods and acknowledgment from his fellow operatives. The duo would respond verbally, acknowledging their commander's orders.

  ''Of course, sir!''

  ''Crystal!''

  

  
• Date: January 22, 2183


  
• Time: 8:30 AM


  
• Location: UGS Yorktown Bridge


  

  Standing firm on the bridge, the Ghost Operatives of Sword and Shield observed as Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft approached them. Beside the admiral was Tale, the operative that S.&.S. thought to be dead, but here he was. Staring at his former subordinate, the commander immediately noticed the damage sustained by his power armor.

  ''Sword and Shield meet Ghost Operative Tale. I assume that I.C.E. already told you of their excuse about his sudden disappearance ten years ago?''

  ''They did, sir.''

  ''That they did, Commander West, but right now, we're left with no choice but to follow their lead on how this should be handled. I understand you have strong feelings about his return, but for now, set them aside and focus on your objectives..."

  "...As you all know, Tale must undergo reevaluation at a research facility, codenamed Gilgamesh."

  A holographic rendering of the research facility appeared before them. The structure was heavily guarded, with marines and artillery emplacements scattered across its area. The question was, why did this facility need such security if it was just a research facility?

  ''This is Gilgasmesh, and for your information. No, I'm not allowed to hand information about why this research facility is heavily guarded. Although, as you could probably tell, I won't stop you from poking inside its premises if you're that interested, not like I care.''

  ''Noted, admiral.''

  West responded as he saw the large contingent of fighting elements on the holographic projection. Though wary of its protective measures, the commander dismissed them as mere I.C.E. paranoia.

  ''So, all you have to do is escort Tale to the research facility and ensure Doctor Hyle Schwarz conducts his research safely, but I will warn you. I.C.E. will have all ears listening to everything, and I mean everything...''

  ''...Only escort the Returned Ghost to Gilgamesh, and after the doctor is satisfied with his work, he returns to Sword and Shield. Afterward, you report to the Fleet Admiral.''

  The Vice Admiral stated, and the members of Sword and Shield understood his orders. Abraham knew that I.C.E. was trying to play it cool. If they wanted to uncover the truth, assuming they suspected something was amiss, this mission would provide insight into how Tale had made his way here. At least, that's what the admiral thinks. However, he wasn't aware of I.C.E.'s foreknowledge about Tale's reappearance and journey.

  ''Sir, what about the Kaynians?''

  Nomad questioned because, for the longest time, they hadn't asked about the elephant in the room. While being assigned an escort mission to a heavily guarded research facility was acceptable for them, the question remained: how did the navy plan to address the imminent Kaynian Menace? Babylon had already fallen, and their latest engagement with a Kaynian Frigate signifies their presence near Eden. However, it was seized by an operative to reach the A.F.E., which placed everyone on edge because if a Ghost could do it, the Kaynians weren't that far off.

  ''Right, them. I'll be honest with you. Tale was the one who brought the Kaynian Frigate to confront the strike group. We're currently assuming that the Kaynians already know of Eden's existence. So, most of the Second Fleet is on full alert...''

  ''...Our experts believe it would only be weeks, possibly days. Right before Mesopotamia and Eden were discovered by the Kaynians. So, we're under the assumption that if they find us, we could hold our ground. The only reason Babylon fell was because we were taken by surprise. Now, it won't happen.''

  Abraham stated, but a hint of dread latched itself onto his shoulders. He knew that even with the technology they possessed, the A.F.E. could only do so much before being outnumbered by the Kaynians. The leadership of the U.G.E. knew this, and there would be a repeat of what had happened ten years ago. Billions dead, planets scorched and burned.

  ''And if we can't hold them back, admiral?''

  ''An apt question, Commander West, if there were somewhere else to place our hope, but unfortunately, there is not.''

  After all this time, ten years of improving themselves both technologically and philosophically. The A.F.E. couldn't even guarantee they couldn't prevent the loss of billions of lives, let alone defeat the Kaynians this time. They won because they were lucky that the supposed ''fleet'' was a flotilla.

  ''That will be all Sword and Shield. Gear up because the doctor is already waiting for you at the research facility. With this mission, there will be no room for delay or failure. Our time is finally running out, and it's best we use it wisely...''

  ''...Good luck, Ghosts.''

  To Be Continued.