It was three weeks later after the last mission. And by that time I had made a complete recovery. It was on a good morning that I walked towards the Doctor's office for a private meeting.

-Good morning my good Doctor. You summoned me and I came.

-''You have quite an interesting dossier you know.'' Said the doctor.

-I should know all too well of course, it is about me after all.

-''Indeed.'' He said as I took a seat on the couch and laid relaxedly.

-Are you about to coax some life stories out of me Doctor?

-Could I?

-It wouldn't be coaxing if I said yes. I am not an open book to be read.

-Perhaps just a little something. Just between us.

-How about this Doctor. You share something from the past of you that was, and I will share something in return.

A small silence went on.

-Hmm. A good trade if I could remember something worth talking of.

I raised my shoulders in response.

-''Then I guess we will both be keeping our little secrets my good Doctor.'' I said with a light smile.

-I like our conversations Tacet, honestly.

-I don't mind them at all. Yet, you haven't brought me in your office just to tell me this.

-We could continue coaxing each other at some tea later. In the meantime I must congratulate you.

I waited for more input as I had no idea what he was on about. True, in the few missions I had under him, we grew to know each other quite well as much as our secretive natures would allow. I was even promoted twice in a short amount of time, and we had grown a mutual trust. It was not rare that many have seen me and the new Doctor of Rhodes Island together. Talking on different matters. As much as we didn't share close information we could surprisingly find worthy discussion in seemingly any topic.

-You are appointed as squad leader.

-Permanently?

-For the foreseeable future at least.

-Doctor, why are you giving me Texas's position?

-It is natural for positions to switch from time to time. Like a rotation between operators who can carry the burden.

-You know well that she more than deserves her position. And you entrusting her with it meant a lot to her.

-I trust Texas to be mature enough to understand my reasons.

-I haven't yet accepted that position.

-Will you?

-Couldn't say I really want it.

-Why?

-''Why would I?'' I retorted.

-''It comes with a cash bonus.'' He tried to convince me.

-An amount that is hardly a compensation worth bothering over.

-What if I said I needed you. And that I personally ask you to take up this mantle?

-I would think suspicious of it.

-I am asking you personally to take this position.

-''Of course you'll have your reasons.'' I said, then continued further.

-I will take the position if you'll answer me a question.

-''Ask away.'' The Doctor beckoned leisurely.

-Is this change because of the last battle? Where the new Reunion leader played us?

-No. Though the reason is somewhat closely connected to that incident. Texas hadn't failed us on that mission if you suspect I think that.

-Hmm, an acceptable enough answer.

-Thank you Tacet. Care for a cup of coffee?

-Of course Doctor, as long as it has some milk and sugar in it.

In truth, I was never a coffee kind of person. Before I received the gift it always made me jittery as Hell besides messing with my heart rate to the point of making me faint sometimes. Now though I could even drink most poisons and survive quite well with the gift I had in me. Still I preferred tea, or at the very least have the coffee mixed with milk in the first place.

-Actually, let me take care of that Doctor. I think the stack of papers on your desk only got bigger since last time I was here.

-''Thank you.'' He replied with an honesty I could detect. That I always detected from him for that matter.

I brewed a normal coffee for the Doctor with little sugar and a weaker one for me with a mix of nut powder, milk and some brown sugar. After which the Doctor indulged himself with a break to drink at leisure with me.

-How are you holding up Doctor?

-Well enough I could say.

-I hope so. Make sure you take some time to recuperate. A light walk outside the landship could do you well. That and a comfortable bed.

-Thank you for your concern Tacet. You are more mindful of people than what your cold appearance would presume.

-''Heh.'' I couldn't help but chuckle.

-''What I say is true. I can recognise when someone truly cares or when they don't mean what they say.'' The Doctor remarked.

-''Well that is good to hear. Means you can read if someone has any backstabbing intentions, among other things.'' I said and then continued further.

-Is that how you read each operator to get under their skin and in their minds?

-''Well that may sound a little presumptuous. I can read a person, yes, and I can get along with just about anyone.'' Said the Doctor.

-So you know there are a lot of people on this landship who don't see you with kind eyes then?

-Yes, I do know that.

-You were quite the opposite person from what I gathered from people.

-I'd presumed they would be tight-lipped about it.

-They are. But I can also read people my good Doctor.

-And what do you read in me Tacet?

-I can read someone who has a shadow as a burden. But one who is reliable and who cares of those around him. Yet, that makes my skin crawl for some reason.

-Is it that antithetical to you the notion of the person I am?

-No, not at all my good Doctor. It's just the change of personality.

-Hmm. I can understand that.

-''But are you truly what you are now? Maybe you are hiding it like no one else can in this world.'' I spoke leisurely but almost accusingly before I continued further.

-Maybe the change in personality was planned by your old self. Who lies below the waters of your conscience, waiting to resurface.

-''I would hope not.'' Said the Doctor.

-Well, we'll see... I am sorry Doctor. I didn't mean to bring this conversation into a strange direction.

-You didn't my friend.

-Can you really call me your friend Doctor? Do you believe you know me that well?

-I would like to say I do. And I can also sense something in you though you obfuscate it cleverly. Something good, trying to replace something less.

-''Touché. Since when did this become a challenge to dig each other's past?'' I asked grinningly.

-Since we started to enjoy these moments together.

-Hah. Very well Doctor...

-''Yes Tacet?'' He asked as he noticed something in the silence between us.

-Why do I have a thought coming out of the complete nowhere of my mind suggesting that we know each other, my good Doctor?

-Oh? Have you dug something on me?

-No. It is just a feeling. A silly one, one might say.

-I couldn't really tell Tacet. I know so little of my own past even at this point. Perhaps I merely remind you of someone, though I don't dare to presume nothing.

-''The mind works in strange ways.'' I said simply.

My meeting with the awakened Doctor of Rhodes Island ended soon after that and I left his office. On my way I passed by Texas and my mind quickly figured the direction she was heading towards. The Doctor's office. It could only have been to receive the news of losing her position. I could have just continued on walking, yet something compelled me to stop.

-''Texas.'' I said turning around, and she stopped to look at me with a light curiosity.

-Tacet?

-You'll probably get some news from Doctor. I just want to tell you that I didn't want it and that I even refused until he finally coaxed me.

-What are you talking about exactly?

-He will explain it to you. I just wanted you to hear me before he told you.

I turned around. Leaving her puzzled but expectant for the news as I heard her push the lever on the Doctor's office door. It would be less than a week later that I would deploy my team for the first time on the field of battle. The doctor having gave me a mission file and base instructions on it.

-''Reunion leader Retributioner, unimaginative for a name.'' I said as I looked up the file on him which Doctor lent me.

-''His actions in both Ursus and Lungmen threaten to tear the little peace there is between these two nations.'' The Doctor's words reverberated in the memory before the departure.

-His appearance a month ago proved ill timed with the current Reunion crisis stretching on.

-''From our research we assume he is a certain exiled Ursus noble who had a deep hatred for the nation of Lungmen. Now he seeks to romp both nations in a war in the hopes that they will destroy each other.'' The Doctor had said.

-''And of course by how stupid the leaders of both nations are they would be lured easily by the actions of this one terrorist.'' I said matter-of-factly.

-You judge too harshly Tacet.

-Yet I judge accurately.

-We have tracked the movements of several Reunion groups heading to these coordinates. Your mission is to intercept and disrupt as many of them as you can from reaching their targets.

-And if we have visual confirmation on Retributioner?

-Engage only if you feel confident that you have a chance with a solid retreat plan.

-It shall be done.

The team I inherited was formed from Rope, Cutter, Jaye and Texas herself. I could see that Texas was calm and collected. Yet I could still read in her eyes and body language the faintest whiff of disappointment. But she bore no ill will to me as we spoke details regarding the mission.

-Are we going to face him if we encounter him though?

-That will depend on the state of our combat ability at the moment and the backup he has.

-Fair enough. But all these targets, he could be in any of them. How many are we to intercept?

-Retribution is not our target. Our mission objective is to disrupt as many Reunion teams from their march as we can.

-Understood.

I roused the team and presented the plan to them. I knew there wouldn't be any problems between me and Texas. She already was the kind of person who had some years of combat, alone and in a team under her belt. We proceeded to the designated area and I opted for a surprise attack. That would limit the opportunity of whom we encountered since we would forfeit movement for stealth in the opening scene. We were fortunate enough for a large team of fifty Reunion members to come head first into our ambush.

I am a man of many talents and one of those included the art of making of my life easier through the use of traps and explosives. Two dozen Reunion members were literally shredded to red jam once the group entered the kill-zone. Several directional anti-personnel mines detonated at the touch of the button in my hand. At least twenty-five were dead and twelve more were wounded. That left thirteen Reunion members unscathed but still bewildered by the sudden shockwave of the mines.

We assaulted them from different directions while they were still in shock, and we made short work of this large team. The explosion though would attract more scattered Reunion teams into the fodder. First a group of eight which we quickly overwhelmed and killed down to the last. The second wave came as two teams, one of which was closely trailed by a third and the other which seemed to be comprised of skilled veterans.

-Jaye, take Rope and Cutter and deal with the team that has backup. Texas, with me.

-''Roger.'' They all exclaimed in the affirmative.

Texas and I jumped into the fray naturally. As if we were comrades who have fought through countless battles together. I pulled out my katana, quickly blocking the blade of a Reunion sword fighter. In which time Texas stabbed his innards with both her swords and used his body to propel herself backwards, out of the reach of the rest of them.

I charged, swinging my sword blazingly fast, occupying three Reunion members at once. I swung my blade at one of them, forcing him to block and at that moment Texas slid in and had cut his head off! Using the momentum she jumped onto another Reunion member, diving onto her from above. Both swords coming inside of her gruesomely. Then they were converging upon her. I quickly barged in through their encirclement cutting one down to his gurgling death!

Texas jumped at my side and suddenly we both became a whirlwind of matched blades, slicing and butchering all who were in our way! It was an amalgamation of a deadly dance and sword fight by two people with long experience in its trade. All was synchronized, all swings counted. Where one blade blocked or parried the other pierced or cut the enemy!

It was as if we were natural at it. No words were spoken. We each observed each other's body language and something just clicked. An inner understanding of each other and of our style of fighting. We knew instinctually how we would move the next second.

Soon the last two standing were gripped by terror as they realised they would die. I swung my sword and was barely parried in time by my opponent. But he was a dual wielder and his second hand was already picking up speed to fling its machete into me! Her comrade was coming for me as well yet both her hands were suddenly cut off clean by Texas before she applied a gruesome decapitation strike!

Texas quickly turned around. Presenting a face filled with despair as she realised she wouldn't be able to arrive in time to finish my opponent that was about to hit me. Yet I had one ace up my sleeve. While I may have been wielding only one sword I had my backup pistol in its holster. Loaded and ready. I had pulled it out just in the nick of time to shoot my opponent directly in his clenched hand that held his approaching machete.

It flew out of his hand barely avoiding me, swinging far behind me with the momentum! I released three more shots in quick succession in the torso of my enemy. Immobilizing him with pain then raised my gun to his head, planting a bullet cleanly in his skull. His muscles became limp as he fell down besides me.

-''Jaye, report.'' I spoke into my earpiece that was connected to the handy radio on my chest.

-''They're sliced.'' Only Rope is wounded but she can still move.

-Alright, regroup in the cover of the northern line of trees.

-We'll be there.

Texas came besides me. We shared a knowing look that conveyed more than words could say. We knew by the synchronicity of our moves that there was more to each other. We were like a pack that was unstoppable. It revealed that we both knew how to fight alongside someone almost on an intimate level. That we were very much capable cold killers.

It revealed... that our young years were full of fights and deaths that honed the necessary skills that we displayed together. That once we had a partner, which we were closely connected to better slay our enemies. And perhaps it would have told more if I hand't broken the gaze we gave one another.

-''Let's hurry.'' I beckoned, and she followed closely without a word.

We retreated into the cover of the woods, converging with the rest of my team. Fortunately Rope wasn't too badly wounded, yet she wouldn't be able to fight competently anymore for a while. She was already expertly bandaged, having been given the first aid by Cutter. As we regrouped I could faintly hear different noises. Yet all the rustling that the wind gave off couldn't muffle that unmistakable sound of battle.

-Scatter by six meters and move in disorganised formation on me.

They followed my order.

-''You can hear that too, don't you?'' Asked Texas.

-Yes.

-I can barely hear it myself.

-''It's in that direction.'' I pointed.

And the more we moved, the closer it got. Soon we were over a ridge filled with bushes and trees. Plenty of cover to get a good sight through. In the valley we observed the massacre. What seemed to be a convoy of LGD security personnel was halted by a force no greater than its own. Yet they were being systematically taken apart.

All the vehicles were disabled. And we had arrived just in time to see Retributioner in the distance cleaving a man in half while holding another by its face, completely covering it. In front of him further there were four more LGD members that stood as if petrified from fighting the giant man of monster in front of them.

Retributioner then pulled on the man's head, carving it out of it's body along with his bloody spine. A bone chilling sound came and it as a gruesome execution as there ever was. He promptly brought the head up in its hand and all the Reunion members around cheered like mad men. He then threw the head at the LGD members and left the battlefield. While the rest of his platoon sized escort jumped onto the unlucky ones still alive, literally dismembering them.

-''We're moving back to the landship. Our mission here is over.'' I said with a finality.

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Texas looked at me for a second, but there was no protest. We retreated silently and in good order. The mission was considered a success. I had gathered nine more missions as Squad Leader after that first one. All successes and with no issues from Texas or any other operator.

In hindsight, I had no problem with any operators because I was given the liberty to choose my own team based on the needs I perceived. Little did I think that these missions would bring an unlikely lupo onto my head. With the possible secret intention of removing it from between my shoulders. I was back on the landship when one day I would have a certain encounter with someone.

-Well, if it isn't Texas's new partner. How is that going for you?

Asked Lappland seemingly coming out of nowhere. Though she wasn't as sneaky as she thought she was.

-''I have no problems with her.'' I said trying to end the subject dead in its tracks but knowing better.

-Yes, so I've heard. They say you are quite the unstoppable pair in battle. The emerging duo that could stop everything that is thrown against them.

-Is there a problem Lappland?

Of course I already knew a bit of the backstory between Lappland and Texas. And I knew there was the possibility of a meeting like this happening. Still I didn't believe the scant low chances of it.

-Don't get too comfortable. She can be whimsical. One battle in the future you might find yourself without your partner behind to block that deadly kill from hitting.

-''Are you talking from experience or are you making things up as you go?'' I asked nonchalantly.

-What do you think?

-I think there's a story with a sorrowful shadow on it that is not my business to touch.

-''Well you're quite right on that... on both accounts.'' Lappland spoke before she continued.

-Still, I wonder how could Texas take it so easily. To be downgraded, replaced, and on top of things to have to work under the new replacement itself.

-It's just a job.

-You say it like that, but you know it's always more to it.

-Perhaps. But we don't give it mind, and we have no problems. I sense you have a problem though.

-Oh yes, I do! I have seen you in action. Every time you two departed, every time you two returned.

-You look at her with respect, admiration of her abilities... perhaps too much admiration.

-What's not to admire? You seem to be head over heels for her.

-''Aaaah, yes, there we go.'' Said Lappland.

-If it wasn't me then it would have been somebody else. Would you have had a problem with them then?

-Perhaps, depends. But now my only attention is on you.

-''So this is it then.'' I declared before I continued further.

-You are jealous that I am her new partner. You obsess over her, and you hate the thought of being replaced.

-You might even feel like killing me for it if there was more between me and her. If the replacement of you as an old partner was official.

Her smile turned into a cruel one, almost bent on attacking now that her reasoning was discovered.

-Be careful what truths you speak out loud. Or your kind might soon be history, last human.

-''Your threats are cute Lappi.'' I retorted serious and at ease.

Even if there was danger close by I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of having made a single muscle tense in me.

-You must be quite mad to talk to me like that.

-You are the only one who is mad here. But I don't hold it against you.

-''Should I thank you for it?'' She asked sarcastically before starting to laugh maniacally.

-''Lappland!'' I almost shouted, imposing myself. She stopped laughing and looked at me with some peculiarity.

-''What do you want from me?'' I asked calmly and openly.

-''That is a very good question Tacet.'' She said as she approached me closely, too closely. Looking up in my eyes.

-You seem to know so much. Why don't you tell me?

I looked into her white eyes and I could see many things. Madness amongst them. Hate, jealousy, many conflicting emotions. It was an open book filled with insanity and I felt already weary reading into her. I pulled away from her sight and closed my eyes for just a moment.

-What is it Tacet? Don't you like what you see?

-Heh, I very much like what I see.

At that response Lappland was taken a bit aback, not expecting that kind of answer. And I was stupefied by the words that somehow slipped through my mouth. What was getting hold of me that my damn mind took a seat now out of all the moments? This white, bewitching lupo might drive me crazy myself if I stood too long around her.

-You know. If Texas truly had a problem with it, she could have opted out of my team.

-''Of course she wouldn't, she's too proud and too damn reliable for that. Doesn't mean she likes it.'' Said Lappland before prompting to speak again after a visible thought on her mind.

-''Yet... she could have... she must have had an interest to stick around, somebody. Hmm.'' Mused Lappland.

Lappland then eyed me with a strange curiosity and no more killing intent than normal.

-I wonder what she saw in you... perhaps I should see you closer in battle for myself to judge.

-If you want to join my team in the future I have nothing against it. As long as you can follow my damn orders that is.

-I wouldn't worry too much about that part.

She suddenly strolled pass me as a sign that she finished the discussion. Yet she stopped a few paces away just to say one more thing before she continued along the corridor.

-''Oh, you changed the subject very tactfully back there Tacet.'' She said giving a meaningful glance at me.

I wondered how many headaches this discussion would bring me in the future. Then I strolled away. It would be another week by the time a new operation would come up, but unlike the last time the team members were now reshuffled.

Texas had left the team, having been recalled back to Penguin Logistics headquarters in Lungmen for a time. It was a rushed mission so to say. We were to guard an LGD convoy far outside the Lungmen landship and all I had to choose for my team were mostly reserve operators. In a way my hands were tied for seasoned and experienced teammates I could rely on.

A category that Lappland filled and was ill fit in many ways. Yet I well remembered the words I said and meant when I spoke to her. And I had to fulfil the mission that I was given with the resources I had available. The raids on the LGD convoys became brutal at that point, and I was hard-pressed to find the most capable operators. Even if they were a potential risk for the mission themselves. So it was that I weighed my decision on the favour of her joining my team.

It was almost certain that our convoy would be hit. Routes close and far wide all around Lungmen were being intercepted on a regular basis at that point in time. Ours would be no exception apart from the intensity that the sortie on my mission would have.

My team on this mission would consist of a base squad of reservists and what could be spared from the regular operators. One reserve sniper, a submachine gunner, logistician, caster and medic, Noir Corne, Rangers and Lappland. Too many convoys were targeted as of late. The once normal secure routes to and from the main Lungmen landship were now all under a yellow classification of possible danger. Our transport was somewhat different from the ones which usually carried goods and people. And Rhodes Island took its commitment to aiding the hiring nation. Thus, I was assigned to assist designated convoy T-51b.

-''Well, this is a boring mission so far. It would have been much more interesting if Texas was with us.'' Said Lappland sitting beside me as I was driving our hummer transport.

We were the only ones in my vehicle. With the rest of our team split in two more driving parallel and a bit behind the LGD convoy. It was because of this that I believed Lappland was more daring and prone to testing my reactions now that we were alone in the car.

-''You will get your action soon enough.'' I spoke with a surety in my voice.

-You say it like you're certain of it.

-My expectations are seldom let down.

-Because they are so low?

-Not necessarily.

-''Humph. You sound smug.'' Said Lappland

-I am not. I just know what to expect.

-Then tell me Tacet, what can you expect from me?

-''Hmm.'' I hummed vaguely, yet she was still looking at me, expecting an answer.

-A lot of danger.

-Life's boring without a little danger.

-''Hah.'' I gave a small laugh yet without telling her that I actually was in agreement with what she said. And even though I had not confirmed her statement she looked at me with knowing eyes.

-''Maybe we do have a few things in common.'' She said as she touched my chin and neck with her fingers while I drove. I forced myself to give it no mind and focused on the road.

-''Maybe you will rethink your idea of killing me then?'' I said jokingly with a smile, though I knew her intent was real.

-Yes, though I wouldn't rely on it.

-''Nobody in their right mind would truly rely on you Lappland.'' I said calmly as if pointing out a universal truth. Trying to dig a knife into her to test her own limits myself.

-Siete pericolosamente sinceri, Tacet. (You are dangerously truthful, Tacet.)

-Quante persone ti dicono la verità? (How many people give you the truth?)

-It is nice talking with someone who can understand my native language. It brings back memories.

-''Hopefully some of the good ones.'' I retorted.

She didn't answer, yet she seemed to look out the window opposite of me in a reminiscing way. It was strange driving with this peculiar lupo to say the least. But I didn't feel in danger. Not in the sense that there wasn't any, but that I was so used to it. Or perhaps inwardly I longed for death. No. I couldn't think like that. I couldn't let the apathetic side of me take reign again.

-''Hai avuto un'espressione curiosa, Tacet.'' (That was a curious expression you just had, Tacet.) Lappland spoke, regarding me again.

I said nothing. Resuming my focusing on the tactical situation while donning my mask of seriousness. I wouldn't indulge her. My vigilance slept for the slightest moment and that way I found out this damn wolf always had her senses on me.

I was having a strange, tingling sensation in my gut as I drove. I knew something was off. Something strangely evasive to my sharp mind but which my subconscious mind detected but yet couldn't define. The mission had started six hours ago very early in the morning, and it was approaching close to mid-day.

Everyone knew what to expect. And all of them would split in two kinds of groups in terms of how to handle the waiting. One kind of people would surely remain in a constant state of tension from the expectation of the attack. The other would remain relaxed, bored even at the waiting. An attitude mostly adopted by veteran operators or some species of cocksure, green horned newbies.

In contrast, I was at ease but had my senses on a short leash for anything that would be the telltale sign of the enemy. Adrenaline ever so lightly trickling down my bloodstream doing a better job than a coffee to keep me awake and alert. But not jumpy or restless. An attack would surely come, I told myself though I more like felt it. Most probably in the form of an ambush. And sure enough one hour later a textbook ambush proceeded upon us.

The first LGD car way in front of the main convoy was hit and burst into flames. Soon after that the first and last car of the convoy were hit by powerful explosions as well. Taking them out of action. Fortunately all three Rhodes Island cars were not targeted.

-''Right quadrant!'' I radioed to the whole convoy.

Suddenly, as planned, the whole convoy scattered in a zigzag formation and the armoured cars rushed to the enemy positions. The waves of Reunion that came to assault this particular convoy were legion. This was beyond the normal repartition of troops for an ambush, it would be an overkill. And even with the new tactics adopted by the LGD and the skilled security personnel that those cars carried I knew that I well had my work cut out for me to just keep my own team alive out of this one.

The armoured cars deployed open their special compartments. Opening a barrage of high explosive rockets that pummelled the advancing Reunion charge to a bloodied broken fist. The doors of the armoured cars opened and there casters and gun wielding personnel of the LGD popped out. Taking targets of opportunity while the cars rushed through the battered Reunion line! It was truly a massacre in our advantage at first, yet I knew the separate reunion lines would come to encircle us.

-''Follow close behind! Snipers and casters do your job at your discretion! Stay behind the LGD line for now!'' I barked the orders through the radio.

Indeed, there was a second wave that we left behind in our sudden attack and was way behind. But they would eventually catch up. This one-sided battle was majestic and from it returned memories of my old life. Of what were many battles and charges into deadly frays that I had. It was truly a horrid sight for the enemy. They laid scattered and broken in the many dozens. Some were unrecognizable. Many were shredded like Swiss cheese from the shrapnel of the rockets. Many had missing limbs, yet still many more were up, wounded, confused, scared, but still retaining the will to fight.

A will which only such reckless hate could create that made the enemy relentless. A masked Reunion member rushed head front into an armoured car as if wishing to die. The LGD driver made no attempt to evade him and he and his crew were rewarded with death as the improvised explosives that the Reunioner must've had under his uniform detonated! The armoured car rushed, spinning and tumbling into a flaming wreck. Crushing two LGD troopers that flailed half out of the vehicle!

Another wounded Reunioner took up a spear, throwing it at an oncoming armoured car. He was shredded by a hail of bullets for his deed. Yet his aim proved true as it impaled the LGD perro caster that was providing support through a hatch atop the vehicle! Her body went limp as she gurgled blood.

Another LGD officer fell out one of the armoured vans and was struggling to rise. A Reunion member saw him and charged with a machete. The LGD trooper's hand was chopped off before he could fire his handgun! He screamed in pain and shock at his bodily loss and the next second the Reunion member who had sliced him dropped his weapon. Not to offer pity, or mercy. No, he grabbed the officer as he crawled through the mud and started eating his face in pure rage and madness while his victim screamed his lungs out! He screamed so much and so desperate as he was having his face mauled and eaten!

-''Things are finally heating up!'' Perked up Lappland with a grin of satisfaction and eagerness that revealed her sharp teeth.

This lupo was truly mad and dangerous, lusting for blood and combat. She was craving for the need to feel alive by killing. By proving she was on top of the food chain. The most dangerous beast of all. Yet... I couldn't hold it against her... I was like that once, I had revelled in it as well. It would be hypocritical of me. I would acknowledge it for what it was and no more. More than that would serve no use. I resolved myself calmly and internally regarding my partner. She rushed out to claim her own kills while the rest of my team provided mobile support for the LGD forces.

But things were slowly going from good to bad. We were getting bogged down by the surviving and regrouping Reunion. Their reckless hate made them so determined and so pumped with a rageful strength that they were quickly blunting the LGD's attack. Another car that crashed became inoperable. Yet we couldn't reach them in time before a band of bloodied and almost rabid Reunion survivors had surrounded them. They just rushed them as they barely got out in time from the disabled vehicle.

The main defender of that LGD group came forth to face the attackers. He bludgeoned dead the first oncoming rusher. Crushed the skull of the second. Swept away the third with his shield, making him a pulpy mess swinging in the air yet the fourth rushing Reunion member tore the LDG veteran's jaw off with a sharp steel claw weapon! He tried to scream, yet only a sick gurgle could be heard! Two more wielding axes joined onto the wounded prey and in no time they hacked the man to grotesque pieces! His companions were utterly shocked at the brutality of it all, and they opened fire.

Yet the sniper was jumped down from behind by a Reunion lupo member that had many black originum stones on his face. He bit deep onto his neck, and it was spine-chilling as he pulled back giving a terrifying shriek of satisfaction at his kill! The caster of the team quickly sent a fireball in his direction, engulfing his dying teammate and the rabid lupo.

Then the caster herself had found out suddenly that she had a machete deeply embedded into her right shoulder, and she screamed ever so loudly! The submachine gunner spent his clip, and before he could reload somebody grabbed the hand holding the spare ammo. A bleeding, dying Reunioneer then bit the gunner thumb off, making him drop the ammo. He was then swarmed by two more as they pierced him again and again with their knives!

It was a massacre. The rest of the LGD group were quickly overwhelmed and butchered in the most horrific ways. Too late did Lappland come into the fray and then only because there was a conveniently bunched up group of Reunion at hand. She splashed half of them dead with her ranged attack before she charged at them. Butchering them seemingly with the ease of a lifelong experience. Soon she was done with that group and was onto her next target further ahead. Yet even she did not have the power to prevent the disaster that was unfolding. I radioed in.

-''LGD commander, I suggest regrouping to the north-eastern quadrant on the rocky hill if you wish to have any chance of survival. You have fifteen seconds to inform us of your decision before Rhodes Island considers you and your mission compromised and leave the area.'' I spoke on the designated radio channel before changing the frequency.

-Lappland, back to my car, change of plans.

Suddenly I heard a thump landing on the hood of the humvee right above me. Lappland opened the detachable panel above to be greeted by my handgun aimed squarely at her head.

-''Tsk! You got me. Gonna dispose of me now?'' Lappland asked casually.

-''Get in!'' I said loudly as I holstered my handgun and received a message on the secure channel. The regrouping was ordered.

-''What's all this about, ''leader''?'' She asked, speaking the last word out mockingly.

-The LGD's are lacking. I forced their commander to either regroup or fight on without us.

-You got balls, weren't we subordinated to Ch'en's orders?

-They can choke on their failures. We won't be their martyrs.

-Hah! Damn you're more fun than Texas I gotta say!

We veered sharply and regrouped. All my operators and their vehicles were intact thought they had suffered some hits. The hill nearby was a very advantageous position strategically. It was steep except for a dirt road which passed through, giving it only two easy entry points. The hill itself around its top had large geological formations in the forms on great tough chunks of rocks and boulders. Which added another layer of cover for us while the rest of the hill, and it's surrounding area was clear of any obstacles.

To say that it would be like shooting fish in a barrel from would be an accurate description. Two more massive waves were rushing to overwhelm us and I had doubts that we could repel them as only half the LGD convoy had reached the hill. They had reorganised and were positioning in good order to use their numbers to their advantage.

All the snipers present including me were hitting one enemy after another while everyone else prepared for the close melee fight that would inevitably arrive. I was calmly scanning the rows of Reunion members. Observing, searching for possible leaders or any members that would seem to be more trouble than most.

They were clever. The leaders weren't easily distinguishable as they had evidently given some thought to their importance and survivability. Yet some I could notice, waving hands, giving orders, being surrounded or being given a wide berth as prompted by their status. I planted a shot to each one's heart and my kill count increased to eight before they came too close for it to matter. My count quickly increasing to twenty-four as I was rapidly taking out one enemy after another before they had the chance to rush us.

-''It's slaying time!'' Beamed up Lappland as she jumped in the middle of the fray.

-''Rhodes team, keep close to your teammates! Corne, lead and protect our team first and foremost!'' I ordered.

-''Roger!'' Came his reply.

Suddenly a grotesque and baritone scream came madly in my direction as a Reunion member with a mace was now charging. Having appeared from behind a large rock. I raised my sniper rifle and planted a bullet between his eyebrows, his limp body landing in front of my feet! This was already getting too up close and personal.

Thus, I unburdened myself of the rifle. Throwing it in the car and quickly pulling my katana to block an enemy that was rushing me with a sword similar to a scimitar. His voice sharp and desperate as he lunged at me! I moved to my left, avoiding his swing but receiving mine fully as it cut through his hip, bowels and ribs, falling dead besides me.

I pulled a grenade and threw it over the cover of the rocks, eliciting a number of death shrieks as the grenade peppered the opposite area in shrapnel. I went besides my car and noticed four Reunion members catching notice of me.

-''I am here! Are you afraid?'' I taunted.

-''Get his head!'' The response came.

But they would never reach ten feet from me before the hidden one directional mine I hid in the dirt was triggered. Transforming the four Reunion members into bloody mush and chunks that were thrown back the way they came from! Then I entered the fray truly but only around the perimeter that my Rhodes team was designated to hold.

I joined up with Noir Corne, and we formed a good team. I could rely on him to protect the squad even under the most pressing of charges against us that I saw that day. While Rangers scooted here and there, planting arrows all around our perimeter. Easing the tension against our own defence line. In my case I made myself a spectre of death that would come down onto the most pressing points. Dispelling it as I swiftly took down the attackers. I had to be quick and always on the move less the line that Rhodes Island held would fall. It was taking all my speed having to be in multiple points and any other leader would have damned Lappland's name. Yet I knew better than that.

She was a disaster unfolding upon the enemy, and to the unknowing eye it would have seamed random. However, I quickly discerned from the beginning that she was following a pattern to dispatch incoming groups of Reunion heading into our general direction. Thus directly alleviating much of the pressure that would have been upon us otherwise.

To my relief the LGD forces managed to hold their own against the tides of that onslaught. The Reunion forces relented and began retreating in a more or less coordinated mess. I thought this would be the end of the mission and I could soon be back at Rhodes Island. Yet one lupo would dispel me of that notion.

-They are retreating, the cowards. Their leader didn't even show up! I'll go fetch him.

-''No, regroup with us Lappland, this engagement is over!'' I spoke crisply into the radio.

-I can't hear you, you must be getting out of range!

''Damn lupo! You were the one getting out of range!'' I thought to myself.

-''Status team.'' I checked instead.

-Everyone is only lightly wounded, including me. But we are out of mortal danger.

-I would hardly call that a light wound Corne.

-The medic will patch me up, and I'll be good to go.

-Very well, I trust you know your limits. Prepare the team to move back to our landship.

-What about her?

I thought for a moment, and thus decided.

-I will join her to find the Reunion leader of this raid. You have the vehicles prepared to move at my order.

-Let us come with you instead.

-No. You know the kind of guerilla tactics Reunion uses. I don't want our trucks and our team to be blown up like tin cans as the LGD ones. Stay here. Secure the area close by and be ready to move once I radio in.

-''Alright, we will wait.'' Noir Corne replied, placated enough.

I sheathed my sword and rushed in the direction that Lappland took. That damn knucklehead. I knew something like this would happen sooner or later. I counted a blessing that the leader of this Reunion division didn't land on this particular raid upon us. I would have been hard-pressed to survive fighting Retributioner and his honour guard that always followed him otherwise. While I didn't believe we would find him if he hadn't appeared by that point in time I had found the extra chore of having to reign in my hard-headed subordinate.

I wasn't worried about her at all. I knew she had more skill and more sense to avoid death than most. No, this was a simple chore. And hopefully one which I wouldn't have to get into a punching match with her to obey my damn order.

I entered the tree line and followed the blood and dead bodies. Lappland's trail was gruesome yet a good sight to see. I heard a hard heave and then saw a body landing hard onto a rock in front of me, a macabre sight if there ever was one. A Reunion member was there, broken in half on the sharp but undulating rock. It moved no more. And then a wild lupo appeared, landing on the dead body.

-''Decided to come after me in the end I see, that is surprising.'' Spoke Lappland.

-You had your fun Lappland, now it is time to end this mission.

-Indeed, just not the way you think.

-''You plan to try and take me out here, out of everyone's sight?' I asked undisturbed at the notion.

-Hahahahaah! No.

She jumped down and approached me.

-But I like how you think. It would be what Texas would probably expect as well.

-''The real question here is, would you be able to stop me if I tried?'' She asked looking smug and intently at me.

I remained serious and impassive at her poking remarks, yet I could not remain silent to this.

-State giocando con il fuoco. (You are playing with fire.)

-''Yees, I am like that. Thrilling to have me on your team, isn't it? Hahahahahaah.'' She laughed maniacally.

-Let us return Lappland.

-''Not yet~. The remainder of the Reunion forces are regrouping into one nice little group further ahead. I am going to take them out and fish out trophies. You can wait for me if you want... or not.'' She said as she built a threatening aura.

-But I will not be denied this opportunity to spill blood. Not unless you ache for my blades instead.

-''I will beat you down into your place one of these days if you inconvenience me enough.'' I spoke with an annoyed surety in my voice.

-Bold words. I'd like to see you try.

-Yes... I'm sure you'd relish it. Now lead the way.

-''Oh?'' Lappland asked curiously.

-I'm coming with you whether you like it or not.

-A bold leader, I like it. But I won't save your skin if your skills fall short.

I followed her lead, and we went on at a fast pace for about twenty minutes until we bumped into and killed the guards at the entrance to the temporary Reunion camp. Then it started to trickle, and then to rain Reunion members all around trying to kill us. We found ourselves banding together, fighting side by side as we advanced deeper into the fray.

Her moves were sudden, reckless and deadly. It was a totally different style than the one I experienced fighting alongside Texas. Hers was pure mastery of skill while Lappland's was a raw, unbelievable power unleashed. One would be careful to fight alongside her less he become inadvertently entangled in her swords. Nonetheless, I was quick to observe and learn her style of fighting and work around it.

Our moves became evidently more fluid than I had anticipated. She was the lead in this chaotic and destructive dance while I was around to quickly decapitate the opportunistic sneaker. To take down the backstabbing charger. To wield my sword by her side and give both the killing strike on the hardiest of targets.

Soon we were so swarmed by Reunion that I took the stage with her as a metaphor. Killing alongside as if a partner in this vicious melee. She didn't speak, her swords dance saying everything that needed to be said in the language of bloodshed. And I accompanied her melodious tune of death.

Suddenly in a twisting move we swirled and both took out an enemy that was about cut down the other! My katana bit deep into the brains of a reunion fighter as she was about to cut down onto an exposed Lappland! In return Lappland's blades dug deep into a brute of an Ursus traitor that was about to crush me with a massive bloodied hammer which would have made a fine mulch out of me. Which not even my gift could have revived me from!

The last bodies fell on the blood stained ground. All were dead in the camp but us. Our swords were like blades from Hell by the amount of blood that was on them, pure red they were. I phased out of my battle trance that connected me with Lappland and I turned towards her. Her face was maniacal bloodied with her victim's blood as it was. Her smile and face lacked humanity and expressed only the pure joy of killing.

-''Lappland.'' I said, hoping it would snap her out of her reverie.

She turned her head and looked at me, the edges of her smile softening.

-That felt... incredible. This fight reminded me so much of the good old days with Texas. When we were still partners in crime for a short while.

-Is this what she felt fighting with you, I wonder?'' Lappland spoke with realization.

This extra action had costed me two hours more and gave very little extra reward. Indeed, I was even somewhat scolded by Kal'tsit when she decided to review the mission report herself the next day.

-''That detour has yielded some insights. But the cost for it could have been too high for the low value of the information we recovered.'' Kal'tsit noted.

-Could have. But there was no cost but that for the Reunion, doctor Kal'tsit.

-And you regarded the potentiality of that worth taking the risk?

-At the time I did.

-''And now?'' Kal'tsit asked further.

-Have I known the little intel they had then of course I would have deemed it insufficient bothering for. Yet I had no way of knowing that, so I took a calculated risk.

-''Did she drag you into this?'' She asked bluntly as if tired of digging for the truth that we both knew.

-She told me she had a lead, I gave it thought and decided to go for it.

It was not a lie technically. Even so we gave each other a serious stare, none of us yielding until Kal'tsit spoke again.

-Can you keep her under control?

-''I assume you are referring to operator Lappland.'' I said, trying to instil some measure of respect for my partner, whatever her nature or mental state may have been known for.

-I trust that I can, though I know what you are referring to. There is always a risk she may go off the mission parameters though I consider it low.

-''Doctor Kal'tsit, please. Operator Tacet succeeded in his mission and even went above and beyond with no casualties or major injuries to our operators.'' Intervened the new Doctor trying to placate Kal'tsit.

-''For what reason did you go above and beyond, operator Tacet?'' Kal'tsit pushed forward.

-For potential bonuses of course. Recovering valuable intel would have made me eligible for one. Unfortunately it was a bust.

-''Indeed it was.'' Kal'tsit said, ending the subject. ''Passing over this matter, your debriefing is not the reason I am here in Doctor's office.''

-''Indeed. There is something we have to discuss regarding the current conflict that is escalating.'' Said the Doctor of Rhodes Island.

---Some time later---

-''How did it go?'' Asked Lappland as she was leaning against a wall. Waiting by the corridor I would pass through on my way out of the offices where the Doctor was working.

-''Well.'' I said simply.

-No penalties? No pay cuts? Not even for me?

-None.

-Even with Kal'tsit there to review the report? I am surprised. You didn't rat me out?

-I told them the same truth that was in my report.

-''Hah! What a load of shit, you must have a way with words... Thanks for covering for me.'' Lappland said a tad more sincerely before she spoke again.

-So when's the next mission? You're kinda entertaining to be around.

-There will be none for some time, I'm off the roster for now.

-What a bummer, why?

-Couldn't tell.

Indeed, I couldn't reveal it.

-''Fine then. Fuck your secrets.'' She said with a smile.

-''Take care Lappi.'' I said with a reciprocating her honest smile, ending the conversation and walking onwards. She didn't stop me.