I was stunned to think that Siv knows a thing about it. Both of us just simply stood still. The air was starting to become thick. Though this could easily be a trick too. Vanta is known for other things besides their fighting. Each of them are elite fighters in their own right. Specialized to kill, deceive, and retrieve. They know how to do these kinds of things with precision. The serious look on Siv's face made me feel even more uncomfortable with this imposter problem. This was starting to get a bit intense for me. I couldn't help sweat a from this kind of situation. Siv didn't give off any signs that this was some kind of joke. I couldn't get an ounce of anything about him. Could he possibly be the traitor? Nothing is pointing towards him being one though. Then again, most of the candidates in my head don't have any points that make me think they're traitors. There's only one way for me to find out if he is. I should be careful with my words or he might mark me as someone against the Platform. The last thing I need are the Vanta operators to turn against me.

Arc: Mole? What mole? There's no such thing around in this planet. The Platform has a bunch of animals that are classified within that branch though.

Siv: A mole. You know, someone that might be leaking information to other sources. Or maybe would you rather be called a whistleblower.

Arc: Now why would I be a mole what more a whistleblower? That's just impossible. I was stuck inside the airship to do anything. How could I possibly be the mole about the airship mission?

Siv: So there is a mole.

Arc: What do you mean?

Siv: I never said a mole for what. I just said if you were a mole of sorts. Why would you automatically think about the airship?

Arc: I don't know.

Siv: Aren't you supposed to be some kind of elite squad? You don't seem mentally capable of a simple interrogation.

Arc: Elite in survival mostly. We get the job done. That's what we do. No questions asked.

Siv: Well y'all don't seem to care if things get messy or not. Something do need a little finesse from time to time you know. You can't just go in guns blazing all the time.

Arc: That's cause we're not here for the pretty things. We're here because whatever mission they post on that board we take and complete. End of story.

Siv: Well whatever, that's not my problem. If you want the Platform to look bad then keep doing what you're doing.

Arc: We do whatever it takes.

Siv: Talk about a lack of or in need of finesse. So there's a mole in the group huh. Not only do we have an S class traitor but moles within our own group. This class just keeps giving. Do you at least have an idea on who it is?

Arc: I don't know what you're talking about. There's nothing to worry about. So please don't get into this.

Siv: That should explain a disturbing amount of security that day. I guess it's starting to make sense that they did seem ready which was quite odd. And there I thought we had the element of surprise that day.

Arc: How can I be sure you're not a mole? You could keep saying these kinds of things to try to throw off your scent.

Siv: If I was, I would've made sure I cut the loose ends, no witnesses. Now, do you see me doing that? If I wanted, I could have killed you in a second. Cut you on the throat without you even realizing it. Just lots of blood.

Arc: That doesn't help me think you're not a mole.

Siv: Fine, whatever you want. I'm no mole, that's all I have to say about the subject. Now what's with this Eden shit then? That's something that I want to know about.

Arc: That's classified too.

Siv: Bullshit. I thought we were supposed to be brothers at arms or something. We're supposed to relay information that could be helpful in missions.

I was about to leave but Siv grabbed my shoulder. He pulled hard to make me turn back towards him. This time he was clearly agitated. I stepped away to get some distance just in case. This guy specializes in quick clean kills. His abilities have too much power to it when it comes to assassinations. Something that I should be more aware of. These guy's powers aren't just for show. There was no way that I was going to be on his list of scars. However, there wasn't an ounce of magic in the air. Instead, he walked slowly over to me. He moved close enough that he only needed to whisper.

Siv: Listen. Don't look around. Keep your eyes ahead. I said don't look! Make it seem like we're fighting or arguing. That'll draw their heads or ears away.

Arc: What are you?

Siv: Stop and listen. I know about it. Before the operation started, something happened that I found suspicious in the team. I thought I was the only one that was thinking about it but judging from your reactions. You found something didn't you. I'm not sure what's going on either but there a bigger problem.

Arc: How did you?

Siv: Espionage is my specialty. Just one of the requirements that you need to be good at. I'm thinking of a bigger picture right now.

Arc: I can't tell you anything.

Siv: Don't tell me anything. The less I know the better. I just want to confirm my suspicions. I thought something was strange.

His tone was completely different from earlier and the other times we met. This one was giving me goosebumps. He knew there was something that didn't feel right about the mission. What worries me is that he barely even tried. I guess Vanta's abilities were much more greater than I initially thought.

Siv: How many?

Arc: Two.

Siv: You sure?

Arc: Positive.

Siv: Fuck, this is a shit show. Now listen to me. It's important that you don't tell anyone about this either. Even Nex...

Arc: Why not? He's the only person that I can trust.

Siv: I know you trust him with your life but it's best that we don't bring this up unless we absolutely need to. Give this to me for now. This is my job after all.

Arc: Why are you even helping me? This isn't your class directive. This is well beyond what is happening on this planet.

Siv: These traitors might not be just doing this for that scientist but something even bigger. The only proof that can get you to believe me is Juxo. Whatever they have in that airship. They're doing their best to keep it under wraps that even the Platform is even willing to bring Vanta.

Arc: Juxo!? How?! You're in contact with him? Where the hell is he? He wouldn't even contact me.

Siv: He gave me something to give you a message.

Arc: Why now?

Siv: Don't know. Frankly, I don't want to know. But I owe the guy so much for everything. I intend to get out of his debt. And maybe out of whatever is happening up in the Platform.

Arc: You were a student of his?

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Siv: Was his student. I asked him to refer me to Vanta cycles ago.

Arc: Now he's cashing in the favor huh.

Siv: Yep. So whatever is going on. I don't care. So keep to whatever feelings you have about me and shove it where I won't see it. I'm not someone that wants to care about what's up with the Platform. I'm just a guy doing his job.

Arc: I understand. I guess.

Siv: Good. Here's the message. "You saw that funeral didn't you". That's it. Don't ask for anything else.

Arc: That's it? That can't be it. This is the first time he talked to me in cycles and that's all he says! That's just straight up dumb!

Siv: Well that's not my problem, what he wants to talk about with you is none of my concern. I cashed in my favor, now I don't owe him a damn thing.

Arc: Well that was stupid. Now I'm more confused on what the hell is happening.

Siv: You're telling me. Now, excuse me. I have to go and figure out who the hell is this traitor. Remember to leave this to me. If you get involved, your rookie ass might ruin everything. This is beyond you.

Arc: Wait you don't need to find them just yet.

Siv: It's my prime directive that I hunt these fuckers down. I have no time to waste on this conversation. Nothing pisses me off than a liar.

Arc: Just tell me what you know about Eden then that's it. I want to know more about whatever it is they might want to be searching for.

Siv: That's a child's story, you know that? A bit too late to be believing in tall tales Arc.

Arc: I just need to know. I've heard something in the lab airship that piques my interest. I've never had the chance to read on these things because they didn't seem important.

Siv: I can't believe I'm telling a kid's story to an adult.

Arc: I just want to know. So please, in exchange for giving you this case.

Siv: Yeah, yeah. I'll tell you what the Platform told me okay? Well Eden was just a place where our universe was decided. Our creator wanted to create something different, except there was one rule. You're not allowed to make things out of their own image because it's extremely dangerous. The possibility of your creatures overthrowing you becomes significantly higher. The other creators did a tribunal and our fate was supposedly decided.

Arc: Then.

Siv: Yeah, we're not even supposed to be alive. Our creator that was in charge of us had to take responsibility and kill us. Adam didn't take that lightly.

Arc: He fought for us.

Siv: Yes and no. I don't know the rest but there was some sort of fight. Just not sure. Like I said, the details are messed up because it's just a story. A child's fable. If you want to know more, then you'll have to dig in the Platform's archives. Though I don't think the library will help you.

Arc: There has to be a way to learn more.

Siv: I got an idea but it's dangerous. Personally, I think this is the only option for you if you want to explore what you want to know.

Arc: How?

Siv: Join Vanta.

Arc: What?!

Siv: Yeah, it's dangerous because we have to deal with shit like this but that's my only offer to you. I can't help you personally, maybe Juxo can help you if he wants but I wouldn't count on it. But Join the Vanta squad, you'll be able to do things more than the usual citizen or classes. Besides, what's keeping you in the suicide squad? Your acting command defected. Nitra is probably going to come back to Vanta if you do.

Arc: I still have Nex. We have to protect the others from these missions. There's a lot more to this squad than just the people that I know. I'm doing this so no one has to go through these hells.

Siv: You've done a great service for the Platform. But they won't hesitate to place you in the Vanta team including Nex. Both of you are great assets. Let some else take up the mantle. Ever since you joined the suicide squad, you have never left. You've actively served for about at least 27 rotations and lived. You have the experience that's invaluable for the team.

Arc: I don't know. Just giving up my post so another fresh team can take over. These classes are just too dangerous to leave to the newer generation.

Siv: If you want to know more about whatever it is you're looking for then this is the first crossroad. Vanta has connections that you won't believe. You might even become an original series if you manage to impress the council. Have your own name, you'll be an even celebrity.

Arc: A celebrity?

Siv: I guess you wouldn't know since you've been everywhere. Unlike Vanta, the suicide squad's efforts are known to the Platform's citizens.

Arc: It's such a big change. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I promised someone that I would protect the young blood from these missions.

Siv: You can protect them by Vanta. We eliminate the rogues that might come after them. Y'know how many times we've had to fight humans that tried to experiment on captured humans. Human trafficking is just one of the biggest problems that we have to deal with. Vanta isn't just a kill squad.

Arc: I'll think about it. I'm not sure yet. I can't just make a decision right now here.

Siv: Just a suggestion. If you need a referral. I'll be sure to put your name in. Give it some serious thought. I'm sure Juxo is expecting you up there eventually.

Arc: Hm...

Siv walked back towards the compound leaving me alone. Change class colors? Is that something that I want to do? I've protected the younger soldiers of the platform for so long that I wasn't sure if I ever wanted to hand down the mantle. But the things that happen in these missions aren't something that only one person should handle. I'm already on the breaking point. Do I want to let them experience living like this? Every logical argument I could think of was just coming up short. There's no other person for the job than the people who wanted this job in the first place. However, I want to know more about the Platform and the only way to find out is to get back up to get clearance. There's a difference between being a soldier and being a killer. Whatever I've done, I've done it for the glory of the human race. No matter how heinous or evil it was, I made sure that it never defined who I wanted to be. The Vanta team is a death squad. They eliminate those who don't align with the beliefs of the Platform. But now, thinking of it all started to hurt my head even further. The cognitive magic sealing my memories are slowly breaking down. The faces of all those people, the planets that we've taken down, and the races that went extinct. I could almost hear all of their screams again. This is trauma isn't it? The thing that those scientists keep saying they'd keep us away from. Strange, I've never felt so concerned about my life until now. Maybe one day I thought that these missions would be a good way to find a good death. Seeing all these memories again, I guess it's not what I wanted but what I was programmed to believe. I want to live.

It wasn't long before Nex had returned with the rest of the team. They were on another hunt ship so seeing them fall from the air suddenly was a bit of a surprise. I urgently walked up to Nex but something kept me from actually approaching him. Siv said that I shouldn't trust anyone who's basically Adamian. There was no way that Nex would betray us though. He's loyal to the Platform just like me. I calmed myself down then swallowed my suspicions down. The landing pad was filled with people still so I made sure that I chose my words carefully. Everyone is watching. Nex looked a bit distressed as I approached him. It seemed like something happened on that trip that gave him some uneasiness. Though I have a feeling I knew what kind of trip he went on. With a bit of hesitation, I tapped Nex's shoulder. He recoiled a bit then realized who it was. He turned back to normal right after.

Nex: Oh, I'm sorry. That expedition was a bit of an eye opener. Honestly I feel like I need a good sit down for what I saw in there.

Arc: What did you see in there?

Nex: It's complicated. Let's talk a bit. Alone.

Arc: Alright…

We walked over on top of the watchtower. Somehow this didn't feel right to me. The way that Nex wanted to talk alone. This didn't feel like something that Nex would only do in serious situations. Though this Nex is different from the ones that I've talked to. He's has never been the type to take the lead in anything. His role in our team was mostly for passive. This class had definitely changed things. Though I'm not sure if it's better or for worse. Both of us were now just sitting on the small wooden chairs by the windows of the tower. There wasn't anyone around that could possibly hear us unless they were by the ladder. His uneasiness started to become even more apparent. Things happen in these missions that require an ironclad will. If people don't have it, they can always rely on cognitive magic to change that. His eyes were darting from place to place just to find some peace inside his head.

Nex: I heard some things from the other Vanta squad members. And I'm not sure how to put it.

Arc: I also have some things to discuss with you. There's a bit of a problem here.

Nex: Is it about the future?

Arc: I think so. I think I realized what I want to do.

Nex: I can't believe this.

Arc: Wait, before anything else. What are you thinking about?

Nex: You're leaving the team. Aren't you?

Arc: Wait, who told you that?

Nex: So it is true. The other Vanta team members said that they were scouting for new members and they said they would take you to be their next candidate. They saw what you did at Talos and one of them scouted you at the excursion to the airship.

Arc: There was another person there in the airship excursion? Why wasn't I told about that?

Nex: They wanted to see what you were like without supervision. The person watching was that guy just keep forgetting his name. But they saw what you could still do despite your power loss. They saw that you can still bring something to their team. And it worries me because I thought we were in this together now more than ever since Terra's gone. Plus they might even convince Nitra to go back.

Arc: I haven't decided just yet. So calm down a bit okay? There are still things that I want to discuss before I do anything drastic like changing team colors.

Nex: What about this team? I thought we were going to stay together. Then again, there's probably only two of us now.

Arc: I have something else that's more important! Something that goes beyond what's happening in our team. So please, I want you to lend me your ear right now.

Nex: I guess we can talk about it some other time...

Arc: I found something on the ship. It might lead us to find where they are.

Nex: Wait why did you single me out then? This sounds like something that the Vanta team should know first. They're the first responders to this stuff.

Arc: I can't. There might be someone that's one of them.

Nex: What are you talking about?

Arc: There might be someone that's feeding them information or even trying to stall something. We need to get moving asap.

Nex: That's strange. I didn't expect anyone to be a traitor! I've been so naïve if that's the case. Do you have an idea on who it might be?

Arc: I don't have anyone that I'm positive about. But they did wear a Vanta battle suit when it happened. They knew that you guys were going to raid the airship. You didn't break down the hatchery or whatever, they just moved it. They took their research and some of the personnel then left before the raid.

Nex: That's impossible! There's no way anyone would be in contact with the airship. Before the mission, we all met up.

Arc: I don't have a single clue on to who it might be. The only people I haven't interrogated would be Volv, Nitra, and that other guy too. The one that shoots lightning.

Nex: Yeah, I don't remember his name either. He's more of the technician of the team than a fighter.

Arc: Yeah. But lastly, we need to go back to Talos. There's trouble brewing the more time we spend doing nothing.

Nex: Talos? Why Talos again?

Arc: They might be trying to reclaim it and use it to relaunch the attack or something. I'm not quite sure. But all I need to know is that we need to go back to Talos!

Nex: Alright! Let's go back and check on Eliza. She probably knows if something is different in Talos.

Arc: So what are we waiting for?

Nex: We have to gather them. Arc, this isn't our mission anymore. The prime directive of the Platform is to eliminate a X class rogue Adamian.

Arc: I know. But I feel like there's much more to this than we think. I just want to know more about what's going on. Terra said there were secrets to the Platform that were beyond what we could possibly know.

Nex: Sounds like she was just trying to win you over.

Arc: That's the thing though, she never wanted to reveal a thing to me. It just feels so strange to me. If there's something that the Platform is hiding then I need to know.

Nex: Why do you need to know? You didn't want to do anything with the Platform until now. I thought our objective was just to make sure no one took these missions. So that they can get to go home while we take their place.

Arc: Nex, if they're hiding something then it probably means something big. I just want to know a few things.

Nex: like what?

Arc: I want to know more about Eden. I feel like it's connected to their plan. When I saw the things I saw in the security room of the ship. They mentioned Eden.

Nex: But that's just a fantasy tale.

Arc: But what if it's real. What if they tried to find ancient magic? They could alter the fabric of reality..

Nex: Arc! You need to stop. Think about this. All of these are just fairy tales for us. There's no way that they're searching for something like that. They're probably just a bunch of terrorists that want Adamian DNA.

Arc: If they were just some terrorists then Terra would never join them. I know Terra not to be easily swayed by simple stuff like money and glory.

Nex: How would you know what Terra would want?

Arc: I've worked with her for the longest time. She would never do that. Whatever they opened up in her mind. It wasn't just a simple brainwash. She chose this for a reason. And I want to figure it out.

Nex: Why?

Arc: Because she's still in there. I know she's still in there.

Nex: I never thought I'd expect you to turn soft like that.

Arc: What do you mean?

Nex: She's a traitor. There's no other way for her to be anything else Arc. She was probably tricking you anyway.

Arc: But she knows something that we don't. If there's anyway to redeem her then I would take it. She was there Nex. She was there in the airship. Terra didn't even lay a finger on Olley. She knew exactly why we were there. Yet, she didn't do a thing.

Nex: It was probably a trap.

Arc: No, she wanted us to know something. Deep down I just can't comprehend that she would be evil.

Nex: Terra is a traitor. End of discussion Arc. Don't let her fool you. We already lost her, I can't afford losing you again. Now let's get the team and prepare to get to Talos

Arc: I trust you Nex. So trust in me.

Nex: I do trust you. I just think that's not something a soldier should do.

Arc: Right… A soldier...