As the gigantic door to the hangar opened I'd expected to see some nice ships designed by one of the larger corporations from Neo Arcadia like Axiom or Cornelia. They were regularly the ones to prepare special vessels for the officers of any military organization. I did always admire Axiom's Valero X-5. It was light, quick, and held its arsenal.

To my surprise, this hangar held within it seven different machines, all of them Eidolons. Out of them all, I only recognized two. The ever so gallant Jeanne and the serene eastern warrior that Seraph piloted. The rest were completely new. Although the fanboy geek in me wanted to freak out and run around to look at each machine, I'd just recently gotten out of a Military tribunal.

"Wait... these are new machines? I thought it was completely illegal to make new Eidolons."

"Given the gravity of the situation concerning the Arcana Order, Nova Astra has been granted special permission to construct new Eidolons," Claudia explained.

"...And I was the directorial lead over such developments," Talia added. "It was because I could read the Arcadian text hidden in Bahamut's code."

I rationalized it must've been because of the Marker Talia had gotten. Even I understood a lot of the strange symbols that appeared on the console that day.

"Each of us now has an Eidolon to pilot, since our bodies would now be compatible with the Animus system," explained Talia.

"Animus System?" Andrew asked.

Alice had taken to Claudia and Talia's side as Andrew asked the question. "Originally, the Eidolons were once known as the Animus. They were machines developed to originally be tools before being turned into weapons of war."

Clarke raised his hand in which Alice nodded giving him the ok to speak. "Don't we all have to undergo the surgery to even pilot these things? It's a dangerous procedure."

Clarke was right, it hurt like hell when I first got the surgery. To interface with the system, you have to have nanomachines implanted into your spine. It was similar to how the U.A.D. was implanted only the U.A.D. couldn't affect normal brain function aside from cognition. It was how one could move the arm of an Eidolon like moving their own.

"Ordinarily yes," Alice confessed. "However considering you all aren't normal by any means. The surgery should be fine. It's even a miracle that anyone besides an Arcadian can even use the power of the maker."

Clarke raised his hand again. I could nearly guess what his question was.

"What have the Markers even done to our bodies? We don't even know if it's safe to have them for long."

That seemed to be a more difficult question to ask. It was likely Alice didn't know the answer but she had her suspicions. Strangely enough, it seemed like a lightbulb switched on in her brain as she turned to me.

"Soran, as one who holds the Fool, you should have the ability to tell Arcadians apart from each other. I bet you could even see their Markers. Did you see anything when you saw us for the first time?"

Strange how she hasn't thought to ask me that before but now there was no point in hiding it. "Well yeah, I could see everyone's markers."

As shocking as the news was to everyone else, Alice and Seraph seemed the most concerned.

"To gain your power as Espers, you all had Ether introduced into your bodies at a young age. Now that you have a Marker, it seems that the Ether that has merged with your DNA is now changing you all. This is something we might need to look into later. I'm sorry we've gotten off track."

There was still so much we didn't know about our situation. There was probably going to be more to this than we'd realized. It could've been a situation much like in Burai Saga, where the main character absorbed some godly essence and the more he used it the more he'd lose his humanity. It was a scary thought to have.

"Anyways... You all will receive the surgery before we sortie," said Claudia. "Of course, Claire will be an exception."

"Why not?" Claire asked. "Aren't I on the team as well?"

Clarke shook his head, "I'd rather you not be on the front lines. If it does become needed later then I will permit them to give you the surgery."

I'm sure if it were me saying that she'd probably hit me with a slew of swear words. She'd just crossed her arms and pouted, opting to stand near a corner.

As we all were guided around the room, noting each of the designs of the Eidolons. Each seemed uniquely equipped in more ways than one. The one that caught my eye the most had been the last Eidolon which stood at the end of the hangar. We'd climbed up to the gondola where one would normally board these machines. Everyone joined me as I stared at the Eidolon's face.

Its head was a twin-eye type with a pair of large horns and a plate covering its face from the nose down. Most of the body was slim except for the left arm which contrasted with its more regular-looking counterpart. The left arm was a huge claw-like weapon that was covered in black armor. There was something familiar about the design. Even though I'd never seen this machine before something in me recognized it.

"Is this the Bahamut?"

"Yep... It's my birthday gift," said Talia. "We virtually had to rebuild it from scratch since the only thing we could salvage from it was the core. But virtually this isn't even the Bahamut anymore."

The remains of flesh that my prosthetic connected to began to ache as I remembered getting shot down. I'd never seen the wreckage of Bahamut myself.

"Isn't there an entire process to this? Don't I have to register as its pilot?"

Talia shook her head. "This machine was made specifically for you. You'll know it once you link up with it. It'll be the same for everyone once they link up with their machines."

"I take it we'll have to use these machines soon," said Minerva.

Claudia nodded, then beckoned us to follow her again. I did linger a little bit before going along with everyone. I always wanted Bahamut to be my machine, it was eventually supposed to happen anyways. But now I wasn't sure it was even right to call it that anymore.

Climbing another flight of stairs we reached a briefing room just above my new Machine's head. It overlooked the hangar giving us a view that initially reflected the one we'd seen. Claudia dimmed the lights and a screen generated on the glass depicting Nova Astra's emblem.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Once I finish the Mission briefing I will then give most of the officers present their assigned station.," she explained. The image on the screen changed to a profile of a woman clad in a black uniform. She'd been extremely beautiful but her gaze seemed so fierce it was like she'd come and jump out at me from the screen. I honestly don't know what came over me but I had the sudden urge to drop down and give her fifty. But once I read the name on the screen I knew why.

"Oh wow... What a sight," mused Andrew. "Who's this pretty lady?"

Minerva and I elbowed Andrew on each side and pointed toward the name on the screen. "If she heard you, you'd be running until you bled lecher," spat Minerva.

Andrew suddenly tensed up as he'd finally gotten on our page. But seeing how she was the subject of the conversation this was only going to get worse.

"Major Izabella Serebryakov is the Warden of Neo Arcadia's maximum security prison, Necron Arcadia," Claudia explained. "This facility is where the worst of the worst are sent within the Prime System. Its reputation of being inescapable is upheld due to Warden Serebreyakov's ironclad rule over the prison."

I never doubted it considering how intense Auntie Izabella was. Thought the fact the mission briefing had been about her exclusively made this a serious affair.

"Warden Serebryakov is extremely thorough in her reports to the Prime Council, going as far as to send two reports weekly. She never misses a single report, not even by a minute... Until now that is."

Switching the screen it showed a list of files with reports made in the last month. There was one made every Wednesday and Arcaday of the week. The fourth and eighth days were a good time to check in. But the last report was made on Wednesday, not Arcaday which was yesterday.

"Additionally we were able to recover some surveillance data overlooking the Prison gates."

The image changed once more now depicting a view from a cliff overlooking the prison. Outside there seemed to be Revenant-like machines guarding the entrance. They weren't types belonging to Neo Arcadia that was for sure.

"The mission will proceed as follows... We will have two teams approach the Prison. One approaches the gates head-on along with the Asterism and another takes a secret entrance in a service entrance that leads underground. Using Eidolons we will infiltrate the prison and investigate what has happened. If Lucian is involved our orders are to halt his progress."

"I'd thought that council wanted us to bring him in?" Andrew questioned.

"If that is possible, then yes. However, since this mission is the first and it is rather sudden. Stopping Lucian from achieving whatever it is he might be there to do takes priority.

As much as I wanted to pay Lucian back for the arm he'd stolen from me, There was no doubt that facing him in direct combat was plain stupid. A part of me did wonder what would he want with a Prison of all places. Maybe an army of lunatics or something is hidden within that no one knew about.

As our mission briefing reached its halfway point Claudia began to hand out everyone's assigned designations. Talia had already been our Chief Engineer while Clarke was appointed Chief Medical Officer. With Satomi's grades from the Academy, she was appointed our Chief of Intelligence and Cyberwarfare granting her access to the ship's A.I. Core. as well as putting her in charge of the Intelligence division of Nova Astra.

Seraph had been assigned as the Commando Unit Leader as she'd volunteered for it previously. The Commando Unit was mainly comprised of our ground and heavy units. So that only left a few more positions available.

"The Assignment of Nova Astra's Second-in-Command as well as the Executive Officer will be left up to you Commander Xenthos," said Claudia.

Now everyone's attention fell on me. Thinking of who my Second-in-Command would be, the more logical conclusion would be Andrew. We'd been best friends and decent enough rivals. Looking at him it seemed he'd caught on to what I was about to ask. Putting his hand up he shook his head.

"Oh, no Snow White. I'd rather not have that kind of responsibility. It's more my speed to fight than to lead."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes... Very much so..."

Well, there went my option one. Technically speaking I only had two more options. But that meant picking between Minerva and Alice. While Alice had been a relatively level-headed person the fact that she didn't know anything about the world as it was now could be a strike against her. But then there was Minerva's lack of knowledge of the Arcadians as a whole. An advantage the former had over her. I'd find myself meeting Claudia's eyes who'd been awaiting my response. But then I remembered what she'd said and how I could make my decision.

"Minerva, would you like to be my Second-In-Command?"

She'd been taken aback by the request almost not expecting it. As the room centered around her she began fidgeting with a lock of her hair.

"What gives you the impression that one such as I am qualified for such a position."

Even though I'd made the earlier points in my head there were other things I hadn't considered at the moment.

"Well, you were the top student in our class. Even I couldn't manage something like that. Even though Alice would probably make a great second there's much she doesn't know about our society. You kinda got her beat on that."

"It is true," Alice added. "Besides you've been an excellent source of information when it came to helping Seraph and me."

Minerva didn't say anything at first, her face reddened and she crossed her arms. "W-W-Well it can't be helped," she stammered. "If I am required to take the mantle of Second-in-Command due to my esteemed skill and wit then allow me to demonstrate the pride of House Galatea."

I think I buttered her up a little too much. I hoped this would turn out well.

Well... Well... Now that's an idea I can get behind," said Andrew." Being a subordinate of such dazzling ladies will give me the greatest joy imaginable."

The color drained from Minerva's face as her more dignified smile changed into a scowl. "Dear Commander, would it be alright if my first decree is to punish lechery to the degree the victim sees fit."

I shrugged my shoulders. Honestly, I thought Andrew could leave this side of him behind but that's what made him Andrew I guess.

"Right... Andrew, I command you to sit!" Power layered her words, much more than before. As she spoke the glow of the Empress appeared and now Andrew had been enveloped in that light.

"What the" he tried to speak but his teeth clenched and he sat down without another word.

You'd think seeing this would be boring after seeing it so many times. But somehow each time got a little funnier.

Claudia cleared her throat as we were getting off track. "Commander I believe you should be assigning your Executive Officer next."

"Oh right sorry... So Alice, would you like to be our Executive Officer? I believe you'd be in charge if Minerva or myself are unable to lead."

She bowed before giving her answer, which still weirded me out every time. "I'd be delighted to Commander Soran. Though hopefully, nothing will happen to either of you while the rest of us breathe."

With that the assignments were complete so now we could focus on the mission at hand. Claudia allowed me to take over from this point since her role was only that of an advisor.

"So we wanna cause the beta distraction possible so we can catch whoever has occupied Necron Arcadia to have their hands full. So, Andrew, you'll take command of the Aerial forces at our disposal and lead a siege on the prison with Minerva and the Asterism. As for the infiltration team, it'll be comprised of Alice, Seraph, and Myself."

Clarke raised his hand again. "Isn't it a bit reckless for our Commander to be embarking on the most dangerous part of the mission?

It was a valid question but not one I hadn't anticipated. "Under normal circumstances yes. But considering this is Lucian we're talking about. I'd rather not risk you guys going in."

"It makes sense given we've already had experience fighting Lucian," Seraph added.

"The three of you going is virtually suicide," Clarke protested. "It would be better if you had a fourth. Back-up maybe in case things get dicey."

"Brother... Why are you so worked up about this?" Clarke asked.

Clarke dug in his pockets taking out a necklace of beads. He held them tightly as he thought to himself for a moment.

"I cannot in good conscience allow these three to fight and risk their lives while we're safe. If I did that I might as well return to earth. Although I don't want to take the life of another I can at least protect the ones that are here now. Allow me to be the backup. I know I'm not that versed in combat but I can at least aid you."

Honestly, I didn't have the best feeling about accepting Clarke's request. Though I couldn't deny him that either. It would've been better to order him to stay on the ship and tend to any wounded we might receive. But we needed the majority of our forces topside to provide the distraction. The danger could've been the same either way. Lucian wasn't the only Arcadian that stood against us.

"Alright... You can come with... Just don't do anything crazy down there alright."

Clarke smiled, then whispered a silent prayer to himself.

"Since the matter is settled, Claudia concluded. "I believe we should begin preparations for the mission. We will sortie in three days."