The Silver Legion

A quiet, cozy farm. Where the green grass grew, and food sprouted from the rich soil. A lovely wooden farmhouse. A warm and gentle cottage for each person, where they would grow old and die fat. Where one day, maybe children would run around and play. That was the dream, right? The entire reason they left Mars in the first place.

This thought ran through Nameless’s mind as he watched the shuttle fly away, anti-aircraft fire chewing away at its shields. He looked at his friends, new and old, studying their postures as they fought. An odd feeling burned in his chest; was it regret? Anger? Strangely, there was peace in meeting his end here. He knew he would have never liked living on a farm. Maybe this was his true purpose, to die for a good cause on a blood-soaked battlefield.

Nameless bared his lance and shield, bracing himself as a new wave of enemy crashed into them.

“Let’s dance,” He spat.

Nameless hurled the spear, its body melting an enemy, flying through several more, and landing on the ground. He ran forward, using his shield to protect himself as he blindly fired the Beowulf at point-blank. They were so close, there was no pointing in aiming. Just as the magazine emptied, he slung the rifle behind him, picking the lance up again.

Nameless stabbed and pierced, the vagabonds on his left and right following, burning a pathway into the enemy. Overhead, Rachel circled around, smashing into airborne assailants and reigning death below. She was a terrifying sight, a blur of pitch-black flame that melted and shattered anything in her path.

Lion was on Nameless’s right, more a weed whacker than a warrior, the enemy simply soft grass as he plowed into them. Aj and Julia were on the left; they were killing more slowly, bounding from cover to cover but holding their own. Their guns raging, as they expertly put down the enemy one by one. Mai and Anatolievich guarded Sammy, using their energy weapons to parry and kill any who came close.

The enemy threw themselves at the party, desperately trying to eliminate them. Take out the Vagabonds, and they could take out Rachel, regain air superiority, and the shuttle couldn’t find a portal off-world.

As the shuttle’s body flickered with blue light, preparing to jump, the Vagabonds moved forward in a charge. Shield up, spear forward, Nameless focused all his energy. His body became a raging furnace of gold fire as he burned a swathe into the enemy. The vagabonds condensed, forming a cigar shape, their fields of fire overlapping as they moved into the enemy charge, collapsing the horde.

A red glare caught Nameless’s eye. He looked up to see a massive comet-like projectile hurtling towards the shuttle. The comet adjusted its path as the shuttle deployed flairs, swerving and evading. Nameless realized it wasn’t some kind of rocket or aircraft but a massively powerful light bearer like Rachel.

Two more energy signatures emerged on the battlefield, racing towards the vagabonds at ground level. The horde backed away, making room. Overhead, Rachel ran forward on an intercept course for the enemy flyer.

“Shields!” Nameless roared.

Lion, Mai, and Anatolievich all ran forward, forming their own personal shields, interlocking them. Aj rested his sniper rifle in between Nameless and Lion, the rest of the vagabonds using the Scourges as cover, peppering the charging enemy champions.

The first champion smashed the shield wall like a freight train, scattering the Vagabonds. It was a massive man, six foot eight inches tall, covered in black armor and red flame. His dark skin was covered in subdermal tattoos, and he was wielding a massive mace. It was war captain Bellum, and he was trying to kill them.

Behind Bellum, Maruintor circled them, her white light blinding them, long energy lines flowing from her fingertips. Nameless looked at Lion, fury in his eyes, his teeth gnashing. The scourges charged Bellum, the assaults focusing on Maruintor.

Nameless dove, trying to stab, but Bellum swung his mace, crumpling him. The air left his body as Nameless flew through the air; his energy dissipated. Lion managed to land a blow, but his axe was stuck in Bellums armor. Bellum lifted his arm, Lion dangling from it, and punched the General, sending him to the ground.

Maruintor lashed outward, slicing Mai’s glaive in half, his energy exploding in his face as the electrons were severed. Mai clutched his burned face, falling to his knees screaming as Anatolievich swiped at the Goddess.

Nameless hyperventilated in the mud, trying desperately to regain his breath. Fear and confusion raced through his mind. These were their literal gods, the first ascended humans from Mars. And they had betrayed them, trying to kill them on some backwater planet. Nameless pushed himself off the ground, grunting. He looked up and saw Sammy lying on the ground, bleeding.

Maruintor was holding Julia in the air by the throat, laughing. Rage filled Nameless, forming his flickering lance, trying to rise from the ground. A massive weight pushed him down as Bellum stomped on Nameless’s back, smothering him in the mud. Aj roared, firing as rapidly as possible, the bullets bouncing off Bellum as he smirked.

“Ow,” Bellum grinned.

Bellum shot a beam of fire, sending Aj limp into the mud.

Overhead, Rachel hurtled to the ground as the Nameless God continued to assail the shuttle. Smoke trailed from the green craft as it shuttered and attempted to gain altitude.

So, this was it, Nameless thought; this was how he would meet his end. He felt so tired yet warm. All emotion drained from him as Bellum lifted his mace over his bald head, preparing to land the killing strike.

Nameless closed his eyes, regret filling him, knowing he had failed his friends by leading them into a massacre. He had been so stupid, why hadn’t he seen this coming? He had tried to do everything right, why did his friends always die? First Carla, now everyone else? Why couldn’t things go right? Why couldn’t Nameless be a success for once and bring everyone home, alive. Too late now, now he would die here, alongside the people he was responsible for, trying to do the right thing. He was so stupid, so lost. Hopefully he’d die quickly so he wouldn’t witness his friends suffering.

Nameless waited for the killing strike, but it never came. He opened his eyes as bright sunlight seemed to burn through his eyelids. He squinted, looking up. Loud popping noises could be heard as the sound barrier was broken numerous times.

In the distance, far away marching noises could be heard. Slowly, the marching noises grew closer. The ground shook. The Dark Axium halted, all eyes on the hill above the village. Bellum grunted, looking at Maruintor, who shook her head, an eyebrow raised.

A lone figure in glistening silver armor crested the hill, with two short swords hanging by their hips. A purple cape gracefully flowed from their shoulders; a plumed helmet tucked in the crook of their arm. Their long white hair flowing in the wind. The marching noise grew louder as a rank of warriors in silver armor, grey cloaks, and shorter plumed helmets crested the hill. It was at least a hundred people wide. Then another rank, and another, and another.

Bellum snarled, hefting his mace as Maruintor glided through the horde.

“Form ranks! Form ranks now, you putrid worms!” Bellum roared.

The horde discarded the defeated Vagabonds, hastily flowing past them.

In the sky above, a massive ship portalled into view. Its grey and white hull glistening with guns and turrets. Another one appeared, as did three more. The long row of ships opened the massive doors in the center of their hulls. Gargantuan containers fell, smashing into the earth. Their cargo doors opened. Nameless watched in wonder as a metal hand the size of a human grasped the door, a giant fifty-foot-tall metal warrior emerging from the container. There were four metal giants in total, each armed with many guns and massive melee weapons.

Aircraft of all kinds flew above the ships. Bombers, fighters, and many more flying in arrow-like formations. On the ground, behind the formation, more warriors in silver appeared. These people did not have cloaks or plumed helmets but carried guns like Lion’s rifle.

Chuckling caught Nameless’s attention, and he looked over to see Lion’s bloodied face grinning, as Lion lay blooded in the mud.

“I think they forgot where Anna is from,” Lion chortled.

“Who are these guys?” Nameless whispered.

“May I introduce the Legions of Armenium,” Lion cackled, pointing a broken finger.

Above the aircraft formation, a red glare appeared in the sky. A comet of pure red fire fell in between the ships, landing beside the Mistress of Zion. The fire dissipated, revealing a seven-foot-tall woman in gold armor. Her face was concealed with a golden masked helmet, with two bright red plumes that went down her back. A silver great sword was held in both hands. Lion whistled.

“That’s general Tygo,” Lion whispered giddily. “And the Dark Axium literally just killed her son.”

Nameless watched in wonder.

Mistress of Zion, and General of Armenium Anna dawned her helmet and drew her swords. A long blast from the ship’s bullhorns pierced the ears of all. The silver formation ignited their energy, and they began chanting war cries. Old men in white cloaks started walking along before the Legion, swinging burning incense and chanting prayer as the Legionnaires jeered and called.

In an ear-splitting burst, a tidal wave of munitions smashed into the Axium horde. The Armeniums charged forward. Bellum and Maruintor sprinted forward as the Nameless One flew overhead. Mistress Anna and General Tygo floated upward as their warriors ran ahead, bright red and white energy exuding from their forms. Both drew massive wings, far more significant than Rachels. Anna’s seemed to be that of a dove, while Tygo’s were scaly and reptilian. Both propelled forward.

Anna led the Legion into the horde while Tygo pounced on the Nameless God. Both sprawled and swiped at each other like dueling eagles. Anna ducked Bellum's mace and impaled Maruintor with both blades. The Goddess shrieked and retreated, forming a personal portal of red fire as she bled out. Before Anna could finish her, Bellum swung downward. The goddess of wisdom and beauty retreated, as the Martian god of war attempted to kill Mistress Anna.

Anna halted the blow with both swords over her head, dodged to the side, and swiped at Bellums leg. Bellum roared in pain as blood spat outward. The Armenium warriors melted the horde, swiftly putting down the fanatic charge. With the melee barely begun, several enemies fled, desperately trying to run away.

Nameless heaved himself upward, his vision blurry, his ears ringing. He formed a flickering lance and jogged forward. A fleeing enemy, panic in their eyes, saw Nameless and frantically swiped with a blue saber. Nameless dodged and stabbed him in the stomach. He turned to the Vagabonds.

“On me,” Nameless groaned.

Lion and Anatolievich slowly flickered their energy, staggering towards him. The rest seemed either knocked out or too hurt to move.

To their right, the Nameless God smashed into the ground, Tygo on top of him, pounding him with her armored fists. Bellum was crawling away as Anna slowly walked behind him.

The Armenium troops flowed past the vagabond like a river, the battle raging. One of the metal giants picked up a Gurgen and ripped the scaly ogre in half. Another was being assaulted by three Gurgen, who were climbing on it. The giant pulled a Gurgen off its back and flung it like a ragdoll across the battlefield, where it landed, crushing dozens of enemies.

The ships and aircraft danced a deadly duel in the air, with several black ships’ shields breaking, exploding, and hurtling to the ground in flame. Nameless watched like an awestruck child as the Legionaries barreled past them. An entire unit of scourges, and here he thought he was unique. He wondered just how powerful one could become.

Anna kicked Bellum, flipping him onto his back and putting a sword to his throat.

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“You traitorous dog,” She seethed.

Bellum grinned.

“You’ve already lost; Zion is ours,” He cackled.

“Where is Alpha Centurion!” Anna roared.

Bellum laughed.

“His return draws near; you are right to fear him,” Bellum spoke.

Anna smiled.

“If he has not yet returned, that merely gives us more time to prepare,” She spoke.

“No amount of preparation will prepare you for the Lord of Order. Your planets will burn, your cities crumble, and your people will be scattered to the far corners of the cosmos. A new age is coming, free of your pathetic love for mortals,” Bellum spat.

Across from them, the Nameless One’s energy flickered out. General Tygo roared, grabbing his face, pushing her thumbs into his eye sockets. The Nameless One shrieked in pain and, with a snap, disappeared, leaving behind only bloody mud. General Tygo shouted, pounding the ground in frustration with her balled fists.

Anna pulled her sword back, about to pierce Bellum’s Throat.

“Stay your blade, sister! I will have my blood price!” Tygo shrieked, stomping over.

Anna quickly withdrew, getting out of the way of the massive warrior as she hurtled to the fallen Bellum. Before he could respond or flee, she raised her knee and stomped with all her might unto his face, shattering his head, sending the contents about like a squashed potato. As Belum lay in the mud, twitching and dead, Tygo roared. She shrieked in a fury, ripping off her helmet, her long orange locks of hair flowing from beneath, hurling the beautiful helmet away. She collapsed to her knees, sobbing.

Anna turned, facing the Vagabonds, the battle slowly dying down. She took off her helmet and studied the scourges.

“You all did well, children,” Anna sighed affectionately.

Before Nameless could respond, the shuttle hurtled into view, slowly descending, an engine out. It half crash-landed into the ground, the pilot expertly using the battle mud to cushion the landing as the Earhart slid to a stop.

“Centurion, see to that shuttle,” Anna barked.

“Right away!” A Legionnaire called, several men following as they ran to the shuttle.

Anna walked over to the Vagabonds, placing a hand on Nameless’s shoulder.

“Thank you for stalling them; I dare not think of what would have happened to the princess were you not here,” Anna said softly.

“Better late than never, right?” Nameless growled.

“Young man, have you any idea what kind of feat it is to transport so much and so many across such a massive distance?”

“I’m just a dumb Martian.”

Anna tutted.

“You are all far more than that,” She gently smiled.

“What did he mean by we’ve already lost Zion?” Nameless asked.

A dark look shrouded Anna’s face.

“What happened here has happened on every planet the Task Forces arrived upon. We could not save them, but we were able to secure the last surviving member of the Lords of Zion.”

“Are you saying we’re it? We’re the last task force Zion has?”

“I am.”

“And Zion?”

“Firmly under the control of the Dark Axium.”

“So that’s it then? We lost.”

Anna studied him curiously.

“Are you so quick to beat your chest and hang your head? I recall watching a certain rag-tag cell of slaves overthrow a vastly superior regime. This war has just begun; we must all steel ourselves, lick our wounds, and prepare to retake Zion,” Anna said firmly.

Nameless looked at her, slowly nodding.

“Collect yourselves; we will see to the wounded. Fear not; you will all receive the very best medical attention Armenium offers.”

“We’re going there?” Nameless asked in wonder.

“Perhaps you would prefer returning to Mars and awaiting the Dark Axium’s assault there?” Anna chuckled.

Nameless sighed; great, another distant world full of space magic. As he turned, Lion walked up.

“Ma’am?” Lion asked.

“Yes, general,” Anna said.

“What do you mean, the last surviving member? I thought there were an entire type four species at the helm over there?” Lion asked.

Anna grimaced.

“They, how would you say this, abandoned ship. We don’t know where they fled to, but it would seem they have left the cosmos to fend for themselves,” Anna said darkly.

“Fucking cowards,” Lion spat.

“They left their princess behind?” Nameless stammered.

Anna nodded.

“So, they killed her parents then?” Lion asked.

Anna slowly shook her head.

“Her parents were the first to flee. Per our last intelligence, her father may still be alive near Zion, but her mother and rest of her family most certainly fled,” Anna said darkly.

“Fuck,” Lion sighed.

“Poor kid,” Nameless said.

“Poor kid indeed, if I may, I have a request,” Anna said slowly.

Grunting caught their attention. They all turned to see Rachel hobbling towards them. Nameless’s stomach fluttered, his heart racing faster. It took everything in him to keep his bearing.

The woman with the raven black hair from his dreams. She was a beauty, her green eyes like emeralds and sharp as knives. Even covered in mud, disheveled, and hurt there was no mistaking it. She was the woman from his dream of the blood red moons.

“The fuck you gawking at asshole?” Rachel spat. “Yeah, surprise, I’m alive.”

“You fought very well, my dear,” Anna smiled.

“Fuck yeah, I did; kicked that bitch in the nuts before he threw me like a football,” Rachel grinned.

Nameless sighed, shaking his head, resisting the urge to grin.

He looked over at the Vagabonds who were wounded. All seemed alive. Mai’s face was covered by medical wrapping as the medics tended to him. Julia gave a dark, murderous stare to Nameless. He could already imagine the lecture she would give him for all of this.

“Where’s Zyhara?” Rachel asked, joining in their small circle.

“She is being retrieved as we speak,” Anna nodded.

“Her parents abandoned her,” Lion growled.

Rachel looked at him, her grin melting.

“They what?” She snarled.

“They fled Zion as soon as the Dark Axium took over. Long before. It would seem that they had ample warning, well before I received Zyhara’s transmission,” Anna said softly.

Rachels's face was stone cold, a dull fire burning behind her eyes, steadily roaring to life, her mouth twitching.

“I have a request from all three of you,” Anna nodded.

“The hell you mean all three?” Rachel barked.

“Hey, hold up,” Nameless said.

“Can it fuck, boy! Anna, only me and Lion know her. You mean two, right?” Rachel growled.

“You three are the most powerful members of the last task force of Zion,” Anna sighed crossing her arms.

Rachel’s eyes widened.

“Oh,” She stammered softly.

“I would charge you, but seeing as Zion no longer exists as its own entity, I request you all. Please, protect that child with your lives,” Anna sighed, her sharp eyes studying them.

“Of course,” Nameless nodded.

“Already was planning on it,” Lion said firmly.

Rachel shot a dark look at Nameless, then nodded.

As the conversation lulled, a hover troop carrier approached them.

“What about the Talaborians?” Nameless asked.

“We are evacuating them; the Armenium Navy has taken them as our charge,” Anna said.

“They can’t stay here?” Lion asked.

“Due to their primitive lifestyle, King Alexander did not have the means to communicate with the other continents. The enemy dead that lay about your feet; they are what remained of the Dark Axium infiltrating and culling the population of Talabor. Those knights, and the people living around the castle, are the last of their civilization,” Anna said darkly.

“How the hell did Zion not know about any of this?” Rachel burst out.

There was a long pause as she grew silent, realizing.

“Right. They were on the fucking council,” She stammered.

“Indeed. This is why Professor Abraham’s work was so vital. Had he not slowly imbued particle manipulation into the Knights of Talabor, it is highly likely we would have had to terminate the planet,” Anna sighed.

“Little harsh, don’t you think?” Nameless asked.

“Look around you, man; you really want an entire planet of these fuckers?” Lion shrugged.

“Fair point,” Nameless sighed.

“There is no moral high ground in cosmic warfare, merely the living and the dead,” Anna said. “Besides, the full extent of the Axium’s influence on the Talabor was not fully apparent until now. The loyalists just recently discovered how bad conditions where here due to Professor Abrahma’s silence.”

As they stood, Nameless looked over and saw General Tygo stand up again. She slowly walked over. Even with her massive size, she moved with a grace and poise that seemed nearly unnatural. She stood above them all, her scarred and freckled face framed by long Loches of red hair, her one green eye studying them, the other milky white beneath a deep scar.

“Forgive my weakness, sister,” Tygo said roughly.

“There is nothing you have done that merits forgiveness, Tygo.” Anna smiled.

“So, these are the cubs I was hearing about,” General Tygo growled.

The three were silent, gazing up.

“Which one of you was there when my son died?” Tygo asked.

Rachel nervously raised her hand.

“I was at the temple, praying for my son’s success when his vital signs ceased transmission. It was abrupt. I trust he died a good death?” Tygo asked stiffly.

“He did, ma’am,” Rachel said softly.

“And his body?” Tygo asked.

“On the shuttle, ma’am,” Rachel said quickly.

Rachels's eyes widened, and she slowly reached into her pocket. Nameless watched with sympathy as she slowly pulled out a pair of bloody dog tags, half of one missing. They softly clinked in the wind as they hung from Rachels's hand. Tygo wordlessly held out her massive hand, and Rachel softly lowered the metal tags into the mother’s hand.

“Thank you,” Tygo said gruffly.

The people were silent as the hover APC came to a halt beside them. The ramp came down, and Zyhara ran out, the Zion family slowly piling out behind her. The little girl searched around, no doubt looking for Rachel.

“Want us to be there when you break it to her?” Lion asked softly.

“No,” Rachel said stiffly.

Zyhara spotted them and waved, running over.

Nameless stepped aside as Zyhara joined their circle. Rachel knelt, checking her for any damage.

“You okay, kiddo?” Rachel asked worriedly.

“You’re hurt!” Zyhara stammered.

“Ah, nothing chems can’t fix,” Rachel smiled.

Zyhara looked up at Anna and then Tygo, her eyes glistening with wonder.

“Thank you,” She nodded. “Thank you all.”

“It was our pleasure, your majesty,” Anna smiled.

The seven foot tall General Tygo leaned down, studying the little Princess.

“This one has fire. I like her,” Tygo smiled.

The Princess nervously chuckled.

“So, can we go back to Zion now? I’m a little homesick,” Zyhara smiled.

They all looked at each other.

“Your Majesty, first and foremost, I-” Anna started.

“Listen, kiddo, a lot is going on right now. The bad news is we ain’t going to Zion for a bit. The good news is, you’re stuck with us till we get you home,” Rachel interrupted.

Anna pursed her lips and nodded.

“I have transferred these fine scourges permanently to my command. They will now be your bodyguard, your Majesty,” Anna smiled.

“Wow. Okay!” Zyhara smiled. “I always wanted more butlers!”

“Hey!” Rachel grinned.

Lion laughed as Anna shook her head.

An odd sensation made Nameless’s skin itch; he turned to see General Tygo intensely studying him. Seemingly seeing more than what the naked eye could see.

Anna clapped her hands.

“All right, everyone, time to board the ships. If you would kindly follow General Tygo, your Majesty, we shall secure you on our flagship. Vagabonds, follow me,” Mistress Anna ordered.

The group picked up as landing shuttles stemmed from the sky. Over a few hours, the Legion slowly embarked, boarding the ships. Inside the massive flagship, Nameless walked along the long metal hallway. The vagabonds followed behind, Tygo and Zyhara in front.

Across from the bay that the Vagabonds stayed in, Zyhara was put in a single room directly across the hall. Rachel set up a cot outside the princess’s door and neatly set down all her gear next to the entrance, rifle leaning against the wall.

Bunk beds with wall lockers lined the room in rows inside the bay. The girls lay sheets over theirs while the males plopped into an empty bunk. Mai was in the medical center; the Zion family had their own room, while the rest were either bandaged or sleeping. Nameless sat on his bottom bunk, Lion gibbering away on the top. Aj lay in his bottom bunk across from Nameless.

His body felt like his body had been run over by a truck. Bruises and burns covered most of his torso. Nameless painfully pulled off his shirt, dried blood and dirt lining the inside. He ran his hand through his hair, feeling the dirt and dried blood, sighing. He then looked up to see Aj was looking at him, propped up on his side.

“I’m sorry,” Nameless whispered softly.

“For?” Aj asked roughly.

A hand reached down from up as Lion handed down his flask. Aj gladly grabbed it, took a swig, and passed it to Nameless. The liquor burned his throat, and he coughed as he passed it back up.

“All of this,” Nameless sighed, waving his hand.

Aj shrugged.

“Beats dying of old age on some farm,” Aj smirked.

They both looked at each other, then started laughing.

Aj shook his head, grinning.

“You ever,” He started. “Stop and think about all the crazy shit we been through?”

Outside the windows, the orbit of Talabor fell away, stars showing as they left.

“You got time for that?” Nameless chortled.

Aj chuckled.

“Nah, nah, not really,” Aj sighed.

Aj looked over at Sammy and Julia. Sammy had several medical wrappings around her chest, and she smiled at Aj, whispering something to Julia, who chuckled. Aj looked back at Nameless.

“We get out of this alive; I want you to be the best man when we get back,” Aj grinned.

Nameless’s eyes widened with shock.

“No fucking way! You gonna marry her?!” Nameless whispered excitedly.

Aj grinned, holding a finger to his lips.

Lion leaned down from the top like a toddler, handing back the flask.

“Congrats, hombre!” Lion grinned, his dog tags dangling from his beefy throat.

Loud arguing rang out from the hallway. The vagabonds looked up to see the crew of the Earhart storming in.

“Fucking Armeniums! How fucking dare they! Kick us off our own fucking bird!” Captain Nim shouted, spit flying from his mouth.

As he stormed in yelling, he quickly came over to Nameless, pulling a liquor bottle of his backpack stolen from the kitchens.

“Fucking Silver coated Assholes!” Sasha shrieked, handing food and more bottles to the girls in the back of the bay.

Vulture tried closing the door but stopped. The room grew silent as Zyhara entered, followed by Rachel. The Zion family trickled in, Cirilla closing the door. Zyhara had her hands behind her back, her chest puffed out, as she eyed the stolen liquor and food.

“Vagabonds,” Zyhara said stiffly.

The little Princess held out the wine bottle she had hidden behind her back.

“Thank you,” Zyhara smiled.

Thaddeus held up a glass of brandy.

“To the Sadistic Vagabonds!” He cheered.

All raised their glasses, except Rachel, a dark look on her face as she stood stiffly, her broken arm in a sling. Nameless painfully pulled a t-shirt on, stood, and held up a cup. Aj filled it, and he raised his glass.

“To task force Sapphire,” Nameless called.

The room all raised their glasses. Rachel sighed, walked over, picked up a glass, filled it, then set it down at a table. She then dragged over a chair and placed it under the drink. Once done, she poured herself a glass.

“To task force Sapphire and every other good person we lost,” Rachel said grimly.

The room toasted and silently drank.

“So uh, guess everybody in this room is a Vagabond now,” Lion chuckled nervously.

“The fuck is a Vagabond?” Rachel spat.

“That’s us!” Anatolievich called from his bunk.

“Yeah, I’m good then,” Rachel scoffed.

Cirilla and Thaddeus stood beside her.

“I will admit they are an acquired taste,” Thaddeus said carefully. “But I am proud to be counted as one of them.”

“This is task force Vagabond now,” Cirilla mused.

Rachel rolled her eyes.

“Fine, but I’m keeping my callsign,” Rachel huffed.

“The great Raven,” Sapphire said gently.

“Seriously, that’s your call sign?” Nameless laughed.

Rachel scanned him like a bar code.

“Says the dude with the dumbest name I have ever heard of,” She growled.

Nameless shrugged.

“Just saying,” He smiled.

“Shut up, Nameless,” Rachel barked, gulping down another drink.

“Yes, girl!” Julia called, raising her glass.

Rachel smiled and pointed.

“I think Hera would love her,” Sammy said longingly.

The room was silent, the air heavy.

“I’m sure she is doing just fine right now,” Thaddeus sighed.

Lion groaned.

“Aight, people, been a hell of a mission; let's get drunk!” Lion shouted.