Clank! Clank!
Nestled in the matrix of technology that made up the nerve centre of the Imperial Hound's mobile command unit, Wiz was like a hawk on the hunt, eyes riveted to the big monitor before him. Footage streamed live, showcasing Hao, who stood on Sphero's Inc balcony. The celestial radiance above haloed him.
Colgate, a beastly combo of raw power and high-tech enhancements, held his ground nearby, arms crossed over his impressive chest. His relentless stare at the monitor emanated an aura akin to a wolf eyeing its prey. His lips twisted into a scornful snarl and the creak of his teeth broke the silence in the compact space. "I had a hunch that rat was skulking under mummy's apron," he spat out with his contempt reverberating off the cool metal walls.
Diana leaned casually against a console, her fiery red hair contrasted the sterile, chrome interior of the vehicle. "We've got the traitorous oaf cornered." A hint of cruel delight laced her triumphant words.
In the midst of this charged exchange, a flashing alert yanked Wiz's attention back to the screen. His gloved fingers waltzed across the touch-sensitive controls, calling up a crucial digital document. As he parsed the on-screen data, a printer nearby buzzed to life, churning out an official-looking paper.
The printer drew Diana and Colgate's focus towards the fresh development. As the document slid out into Wiz's waiting grip, he quickly scanned the words. "We've got the green light to storm Sphero's Inc and nab the culprit," he stated while handing the paper to Diana.
She scanned the document. "He's right," she verified, before adding, "We've got clearance to kick off the raid. You're up, Colgate."
All eyes turned to the hunk of muscles. A heavy silence permeated the space. Then, with a resounding clang of his mechanical hand against his flesh-and-blood one, he shattered the quiet. "Time to bring that swindler to justice," he commenced storming out of the vehicle's rear with Diana following closely behind him.
Outside, Colgate stalked over to Snuzzle and the OSD operatives assembled nearby. He briefed them on their newly sanctioned mission; urgency and resolve underscored his words. The looming raid on Sphero's Inc was about to kick off.
However, the Imperial Hounds were unaware that their movements were under the watchful eyes of Kiera, Yoad, and Barkcode from a corner store close by. Kiera squinted, spotting the signs of an imminent raid. "Looks like they're gearing up to storm Sphero's Inc. We're going with them."
Yoad blanched at the idea of diving into the brewing conflict. "But how?" he stammered. "Won't they spot us?" His concern was evident, but Kiera's confident gaze held steady. She scoped out their surroundings until she spotted an entrance to an underground distribution lot nearby. A large trailer, laden with containers, was backing into the lot, directed by proficient hands.
Pointing there, Kiera spoke, "Kid, see that? That's our ticket in."
“Huh?” Yoad followed where she aimed her fingers, then he glanced at Barkcode, uncertainty flitting across his face. "Don't stress, mate," he whispered, patting the loyal creature beside him. "I've got your back."
Kiera snorted at his words while her sight still remained fixed on the authorities. "Don't dish out promises you can't keep, brat. Now, keep up." She commenced sauntering towards the distribution lot while tracking the Imperial Hounds and OSD operatives as they geared up for their attack.
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The command, "Let's move out!" echoed through the street, courtesy of Colgate. Following his outburst, a small battalion of droids and operatives sprang into action, heading towards Sphero's Inc in a display of precise coordination. Wiz stayed put in the truck, manning the array of monitors to be ready to deliver real-time updates to his team.
Their mission was simple: nab the thief, and retrieve the X-Class sword. The stage was set for a showdown at Sphero's Inc.
“Hmm?” From her vantage point by the imposing reception desk, Nefuni, the diligent assistant to Quory Vee, noted the approach of the formidable group. An uneasy sensation coiled within her. With a nod to the security personnel stationed by the front door, she began her descent towards the entrance.
Nufuni made it in time just as the authorities reached the entrance. "Apologies," she began respectfully, "I'm afraid you're prohibited from entering the premises. Orders from the top." She was a conduit between the Imperial Hounds and her boss, striving to maintain balance.
“Not this time.” Diana, however, was unimpressed. From the folds of her uniform, she produced a document, the paper crisp and adorned with the official insignia of the Imperial Hounds. "Read this and kindly step aside," she retorted, thrusting the document towards Nefuni.
As Nefuni scanned the paper, her brows furrowed in consternation. The approval notice from the higher-ups was legitimate. Retreating back into the lobby, she asked them to wait while her gaze slid to the security guards in a silent plea to hold the fort.
Reaching a transmitter, she swiftly dialled the direct line to Quory Vee and relayed the situation in hushed, hurried tones. She could feel the weight of the situation bearing down on her, but she maintained her composure, trusting in Quory's wisdom.
In response, Quory's terse reply resonated through the line, "Let them pass."
“As you command, madam.” Complying, Nefuni gestured to the guards, who obediently stepped aside, parting the way for the Imperial Hounds and their entourage.
Thud! Thud!
The lobby reverberated with the clatter of boots and the whirring of droids as they made their entry. Their demeanour was echoing their intent.
Meanwhile, hidden in the recesses of her private workspace, Quory watched her son who was standing on the balcony. She called him in and said to him, "They're coming for you. I can't shield you any longer. You must leave now."
“So it has come down to this…?” Though he was made aware of the imminent threat, Hao's thoughts were on Vibe Edge. "What about my sword? I need it to see clearly."
"It's not ready," Quory responded curtly, her attention focused on the work at hand. When pressed about the completion, she confessed uncertainty, much to Hao's chagrin.
Disgruntled, he left his mother to her task, choosing instead to return to his room to alert his friend Mentos. The journey back to level 110 was a swift one even though his visual impairment impeded him somewhat. His thoughts were consumed by the impending arrival of the Imperial Hounds and his mother's words.
“I hope it’s ready by the time I get back.”
Sometime later, Hao made it back to the dwelling. Upon entering, he was greeted by strange sounds and energy movements that befuddled him.
Maelstrom and Mentos were at the centre, engrossed in a strange ritual. Their actions were blurred by Hao's blindness.
In his haste, Hao demanded an explanation, "What are you doing, Mentos?" His urgency was evident even to the beasts in the room.
“Oh, Vee, you’re back.” Mentos just now noticed his presence. Oblivious to the peril, he explained his attempt at forming a Beast Link with Acadian, inspired by a TV show. Noticing Hao's distress, he inquired, "What's wrong, mate? You look like you've just seen a devil. No offence."
Hao moved to the workbench, picking up Judgment Day while responding, "Stop what you're doing. We're out of time."
The abrupt command left Mentos stunned. Removing his hands from Acadian's head, the swirling pink energy dissipated into nothingness. "What did you just say, we’re out of time. Why?" he stammered, taken aback by the urgency in Hao's tone.
Hao revealed the looming threat of the Imperial Hounds. This revelation compelled him into a pit of panic. "I thought we'd be safe here for a while longer. We need to move, and quickly." Mentos grumbled about his unfinished breakfast, but the gravity of the situation was clear.
Their actions did not go unnoticed by the beasts. Sensing the mounting tension, they too prepared for the imminent departure, their senses were heightened and ready for the trouble to come. The calm before the storm was quickly dissipating, replaced with a rush of adrenaline and uncertainty. The game of cat and mouse had just entered a new, dangerous stage.