• Date: January 23, 2183


  
• Time: 12:30 AM


  
• Location: UGS Howling Knight Bridge


  

  On board the Howling Knight, the Ghosts were buckled as they waited for them to arrive on their transit to the Kaynian Frigate. The fleet they were attached to raced forward to their destination. They were beside the UGS Yorktown since they were tasked with boarding the derelict ship and planting the distress beacon.

  [Arriving in three...]

  [...Two, one.]

  Merci counted as the stealth ship trembled, returning to nominal speeds. The fleet's ships also stopped and engaged their sublight engines. The two battlegroups and Strike Group New Jersey took the lead to the asteroid field three hundred seventy thousand kilometers from their arrival point.

  ''Merci, report!''

  [We have arrived successfully, commander. It seems that the Battlegroups Lexington and Bunker Hill, along with Strike Group New Jersey, are gunning it to the asteroid field three hundred seventy thousand kilometers away from our entry point.]

  ''Hmm, what about Battlegroup Yorktown?''

  [Yorktown and her battlegroup are currently slowing down. Although their sublight engines are online, they operate at low thrust- Incoming message from the Fleet Admiral.]

  The A.I. halted her report and allowed a visual connection of the Fleet Admiral onto the Howling Knights' terminals. She was about to give a quick reminder about Vice Admiral Abraham's plan.

  ''Our plan revolves around luring the Kaynian Flotilla with a distress beacon on one of the stealth ships. The Ghost Operatives responsible for this will plant the beacon on the derelict frigate. Once that's done, Battlegroup Yorktown will act as a distraction for the flotilla. Keeping them busy and giving us the element of surprise while hidden on the asteroid field three hundred seventy thousand kilometers away from us...''

  ''...Meanwhile, the rest of the stealth ships will deploy invisible nuclear mines to aid Battlegroup Yorktown's chance of survival. And once the enemy is about to encircle the battlegroup, the rest of the Second Fleet will come out of cover and engage the Kaynian vessels from behind. If we execute this plan correctly, we may deliver a massive blow to them without major losses to the A.F.E. Navy.''

  The Fleet Admiral explained, and this sparked the curious minds of those who wondered how they were about to engage the Kaynian Fleet. The reason why the plan was so secretive and only those of high rank would've known about the plan. It seems that the Fleet Admiral also wanted the sailors, pilots, and operators on board each vessel of the Second Fleet to hear about the plan.

  [How considerate of the Fleet Admiral...]

  [...I suspect only the Vice Admirals', Senior Captains, and Ghost Operatives know of the plan. But she also wants to be transparent to the sailors, pilots, and officers. Knowing that there will be those unfortunate souls that will perish.]

  Merci deduced, and upon hearing it, West knew that Sasha Zveroboy was one of a kind of an admiral. He has done the same with the Ghost Operatives that had served with him. Being transparent about a secret plan could raise the morale of the sailors onboard the ships of the Second Fleet.

  ''Indeed, but enough about that. Where's the target?''

  [Attempting to locate Kaynian derelict...]

  [...Kaynian derelict located. The frigate is currently two hundred forty thousand kilometers away.]

  ''That's good. It seems it barely moved from when the Yorktown gutted it with her H.E.L. cannon.''

  West pointed out as the frigate's destroyed hull floated endlessly. Suddenly, the commander's terminals rang as Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft called. His A.I. partner would be the first to notice and would inform him about it.

  [Commander, Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft of the Yorktown is calling us.]

  ''Bring him to my terminal.''

  [Understood, initiating a connection.]

  Accepting the call. West was greeted by the visage of the Vice Admiral, their holographic image materializing before his terminal.

  ''Commander West, get that beacon safely on the derelict and eliminate any Kaynian survivors on board that frigate. We don't want them to figure out our plan after all.''

  ''We'll ensure it, admiral.''

  ''Good. After you're done, signal the other stealth ships to begin the mine-laying procedure between my battlegroup and the derelict...''

  ''...Now that I've said those things, I think it's time for you to do them. Break their legs, Ghosts. Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft out.''

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  Signing out, the Vice Admiral immediately disappeared off of West's terminals. Surveying the surroundings, he observed his fellow Ghosts, all eager to commence the mission. Taking a deep breath, he put on his helmet and connected with it via a neuron interface.

  ''Merci, get us to the target.''

  [Understood, commander. Engaging main engines.]

  Without delay, the stealth ship surged forward, its sleek form slicing through the void of space. The distant hum of its main engines reverberated through the hull as the ship A.I. executed precise maneuvers, navigating toward the Kaynian derelict. The silhouette of the broken hull of the kilometer-long frigate was now visible in visual range.

  ''Alright, Ghosts, there she is. There may be signs of Kaynians on board the ship. We have to be cautious in our approach.''

  After closing the distance, the Howling Knight halted its approach from the Kaynian vessel. Slowing in velocity, the stealth ship halted at least a hundred kilometers. This would be the distance the Ghost Operatives would have to cross with their back propulsion system from their power armor.

  [We're near the vicinity of the Kaynian Frigate. Due to the possibility of Kaynians still on board, the Howling Knight could only go so far. Teleportation wouldn't function since the teleportation chamber of the frigate is destroyed. So you'll have to enter the ship via boarding action with the distress beacon on your person.]

  ''Understood. We'll proceed with our propulsion system.''

  West responded to his partner as he rose from his seat, gesturing for his colleagues to do the same. He acknowledged the necessary preparations for their mission.

  ''Alright, Ghosts were headed to the vehicle bay for launch.''

  TALE: Arc Killer

  In the vehicle bay. Ghost Team Sword and Shield geared up for the mission ahead. With the potential presence of Kaynians on the derelict frigate, they had to remain cautious and vigilant while aboard the vessel. They were ready for this, having demonstrated their preparedness repeatedly— at least three members had, in the eyes of I.C.E. Nonetheless, the fourth member, Tale, had recently recuperated and was about to be assigned to S.&.S it was a situation that seemed to undermine several protocols. Nevertheless, they would perform their duties as operatives and press on.

  ''Everyone ready?''

  West stated while observing his subordinates geared with handheld and third-arm-mounted weapons. In response, Bishop turned to him and nodded before giving his reply.

  ''Affirmative commander.''

  ''Very well, Bishop...''

  ''...Engage cloak.''

  ''Understood.''

  Hearing the response from his elite sniper, West stood firm, took a deep breath, and then gave the command to proceed with the mission. Their armored silhouettes vanished as their power armor activated its stealth capabilities.

  ''Merci, open up.''

  [Understood.]

  The immediate command of the Ghost Commander was swiftly answered as the bay doors opened with a hiss. Air started to get sucked out as space was a vacuum and left the Ghosts to breathe with their armor's life support system. Red lights switched to cool green as the bay doors revealed the frigate derelict ahead.

  ''Sword and Shield fall out!''

  In the commander's words, the back propulsion system immediately screamed harshly, but it was not heard as the Ghosts flew through space. Bits of debris from the frigate became obstacles for the operatives as they maneuvered their way around them. One piece of debris, a piece of the Kaynian Frigate's hull, flew between them, splitting the Ghost Team apart. Luckily, the operatives avoided it in time and pushed on before reuniting with each other. The propulsion system was pushed through at its limit to finally reach the frigate.

  ''Approaching the frigate, prepare magnetic boots for arrival.''

  The commander ordered as their A.I. partners prepared to activate their magnetic boot function when they reached the alien ship.

  ''Roger that.''

  ''Got it, sir.''

  Responded Nomad and Bishop as they grew closer to the derelict before finally planting their metallic boots on the deck. Upon landing softly with a thud, the propulsion system shut off as it was no longer needed before the Ghosts pointed their weapons. Meanwhile, the magnetic function of their boots allowed them to stand firm without floating astray.

  ''Alright, Ghosts stay in formation.''

  Hedding their commander's word, the Ghosts Operatives of Sword and Shield quickly advanced into the ship. West led the advance, followed by Nomad, Tale, and Bishop. Up to this point, they had observed the desolate condition of the frigate, with dimly lit hallways and rooms as they traversed through. Only sparks of electricity and the floating bodies of Kaynian Farers and Guardians occupied the once lively halls and areas of the ship. But it wouldn't be long until they encountered the survivors of the derelict.

  ''A demon flotilla is nearing our position!''

  ''What shall we do?''

  ''By the betrayer, save us all!''

  Screamed the survivors of the frigate as the Ghosts stood in the shadows unseen by the Kaynians. Seeing that they're composed of farers and guardians along with a Kaynian Knight acting as a leader figure. The Ghosts took no shortcuts with their step in approaching them.

  ''I got eyes on targets, commander.''

  Spoke the dark-skinned operative as he trained his sights on the Kaynian Knight. Looking at the left side, Nomad took the flank to gain a vantage point on his prey.

  ''Nomad status?''

  ''I got the guardians, sir. Just say the word.''

  Nomad responded as he pumped his double-barrel shotgun, and two shells were now present in the chamber of the weapon.

  ''Hmm, Tale, we'll take out the farers and guardians on the right side.''

  ''Understood, commander.''

  Tale answered as he followed his commanding officer to the right flank, where their targets were located.

  ''Alright, ready on my mark...''

  ''...Mark!''

  The Kaynians were caught off guard by a brilliant muzzle flash as a twenty-millimeter round penetrated the Kaynian Knight's energy shielding and struck him in the head.

  ''Intruders- Argh!''

  Yelled a guardian before a hail of fifty caliber rounds cut him off, and soon, the remaining alien survivors were forced to take cover as they tried to locate the silhouette of the Ghosts.

  ''Demons have boarded our ship!''

  ''By the betrayer! Find them!''

  ''Look out- Ack!''

  Panic and disorder soon claimed the ranks of the surviving Kaynians as the operatives took their time and delivered death to them. Seeing that the tight space of the frigate derelict hindered long-range engagement, the Returned Ghost would summon his companion into battle.

  ''Sarroth, sword!''

  {Of course, master!}

  Charging forward, Tale dashed with the propulsion system, gaining speed and closing the distance between him and a Kaynian Farer before slicing his head off. Another bright muzzle flash signified Bishop's firing as two Kaynians close to each other were killed with one round, piercing the first and over-penetrating, which led to the second getting domed.

  ''Demons!''

  Soon, the Kaynians mustered the courage to return fire on the Ghosts, but their efforts were futile. The Ghosts remained invincible, and none of the energy beams managed to hit their targets. While the attack forced the Ghosts to momentarily stop firing, not all lowered their weapons or sought cover.

  ''Nomad, you're up, flank 'em!''

  West barked, and emerging from the sidelines, Nomad uncloaked and fired his shotgun at an unfortunate guardian, shattering his shield and killing him. Pumping his shotgun, it ejected two spent shells emitting heat before firing at another, shattering its shield and killing it instantly.

  ''Get some! Get some!''

  Shouted the close-quarter specialist as he surprised the occupied Kaynians. The aliens didn't even have a chance of countering the charging Ghost as he mowed through the remaining numbers of the survivors. One unfortunate farer had his jaw ripped off before receiving quadruple-ought to the chest. Another, a guardian, tried to charge with his bayonet but was shot down by a barrage from Commander West.

  ''Thanks, commander.''

  ''Got your back, Nomad...''

  ''...Merci, Wave, give me a sweep, is that all?''

  The A.I.s did their best to sweep the frigate derelict with any remnants of Kaynian energy sources. After thoroughly searching for any survivors, Merci and Wave found none.

  [There is no longer any Kaynian presence within the derelict commander.]

  The motherly A.I. stated as she provided the statistics and identified the last remnants of alien activity on the ship as the ones they had eliminated.

  [Yep, Merci's right. I just performed three more inspections and found none...]

  [...Best to say that these guys were the last unfortunate bastards on board, commander.]

  Wave added, bringing ease to the commander's mind, knowing that these Kaynians were the last survivors of the derelict. With the survivors eliminated, they could finally execute their mission objective: planting the distress beacon and luring the Kaynian Flotilla.

  ''Alright, Ghosts, let's plan the distress beacon and be done with it.''

  The commander stated as he went ahead and planted the beacon on the deck. There was a pause before the lights started to flare from the beacon. Completing and placing the beacon, the commander checked his heads-up display for confirmation from his partner.

  ''Merci. The beacon's status?''

  [It's online and transmitting the distress signal.]

  ''Good...''

  "...Sword and Shield are done here. We're clear exfil to the Howling Knight. Let's move!"

  To Be Continued.