* Date: January 22, 2183

* Time: 3:35 PM

* Location: Doctor Hyle's Office

[Apologies for the sudden change of plans, Doctor Hyle, but the situation demands it.]

''I.C.E. Agent Indigo...''

''...It has been quite some time since your supposed death.''

[Certainly. My alleged death on the Martian surface while assisting Cloak and Dagger has remained a tightly guarded secret, eluding even the scrutiny of A.F.E. high command.]

The A.I. replied, fixing a focused gaze on the doctor. Illuminated by light, her Humanoid Skin was displayed for Hyle to see. The secretive nature of this particular A.I. was due to her allegiance with I.C.E.'s most elite and potent Ghost team, Cloak and Dagger. But during the last stages of the Invasion of Mars, she was handed to I.C.E. by her partner. Hence why, she is alive, and her partner is not, but I.C.E. made it so that she supposedly died on Mars. It was due to her achievement of being the first A.I. to decrypt Kaynian technology.

"I only lament that I.C.E. could have afforded me additional time to complete my research, yet regrettably, that is not the situation."

[We all share that sentiment, doctor. However, given the president's approval of Fleet Admiral Sasha Zveroboy's offensive, you are left with no alternative.]

Agent Indigo responded as she saw the doctor nod at her. Shifting his focus to Sarroth's blade form, Doctor Hyle tapped his holographic table, saving crucial information vital for his research on psionics. Hyle comprehended that his requests for additional time would go unanswered. However, this didn't diminish the fact that he had gleaned more knowledge than he could have accumulated in his entire decade of research.

''Hmm, it may please your director that the information I have gotten from Lady Sarroth has enlightened me about the potential application of psionics. His dream of a Sixth Generation Ghost Operatives will be within our reach, along with how to use the psionics of our enemy against them.''

[Is that so?]

''I have never been this confident to say that given time. We could have something that will rival that of Kaynian psionics. The gap between us and the Kaynians is narrowing more than we could imagine.''

The doctor stated as he gave access to his vault of information, theories, and blueprints for the Sixth Generation of Ghost Operatives. Suffice it to say, Indigo was impressed as she looked further into the data handed to her by the doctor. She began to see how important his research was and how it was a game changer.

[It's regrettable that you cannot complete your research, doctor. However, as I mentioned, the director has approved the Fleet Admiral's offensive.]

''I am aware. I was merely stating how important my research was and how we could change our chances of survival.''

[And I understand. We all recognize the formidable might of the Kaynians, and there are suspicions that we are facing a fraction of their force. But thanks to you and the returned Ghost, we may have a chance to preserve our right to exist in this harsh galaxy.]

''I know, agent, and for once in my life, I think we could change everything.''

[Indeed, but at this moment, any change you bring about will be futile if everyone perishes.]

The A.I. exclaimed, and she was right. As much as Hyle wanted to deny her logic, she was right. Only he possesses the knowledge to usher in a new era for Earth and its people. However, it would amount to nothing if everyone perished before it happened.

[You will hand Sarroth to Ghost Operative Tale for an upcoming mission, and your team will evacuate Gilgamesh.]

''Understood.''

[That will be all, Agent Indigo out.]

With that, the I.C.E. agent vacated the premises as her hologram vanished. This left Doctor Hyle isolated as he returned to his holo table to securely store the information on the quantum crystal drive for personal transport. Sarroth hummed as she saw the altercation between the I.C.E. agent and the doctor. Suffice it to say, she had never thought that her insight into magic would cause the doctor to act this way. Suddenly, the slide noise of the doors from the entrance revealed the Ghost Operative Tale. Upon seeing him, Doctor Hyle already understood the purpose of his visit – to retrieve his companion, Sarroth. The blade spirit would immediately transform into her avatar and greet her master with a smile. With the Ghost present to retrieve his companion, the doctor sighed through his mask, acknowledging his helplessness in altering the inevitable outcome.

''Doctor Hyle.''

''Ghost. I assume you're here to collect your companion?''

''Yes, doctor.''

''Very well, you may have her.''

Hearing those words, Tale grasped Sarroth's avatar as it dematerialized before inserting herself into the Ghost's power armor. The blade spirit quickly nestled into her master's armor upon making contact.

''Master, it is good to see you again!''

''Likewise...''

''...Was your conversation with the doctor fruitful?''

''Indeed, I believe I succeeded in enlightening him about the possibilities of utilizing magic in various ways. His sorrow stems from the fact that he couldn't allocate more time to delve deeper into the study of magic.''

''I see.''

Tale replied, and observing the surroundings, it becomes evident how Sarroth managed to enlighten Doctor Hyle. Holo pads are scattered throughout, accompanied by numerous quantum crystal drives containing audio logs. Never had the returned Ghost seen something like this since Doctor Lilith, his figurative mother, when he was still newly made by I.C.E.

''Ghost, whatever mission you are participating in, it wouldn't change the fate of this planet.''

''How so, doctor?''

''Eden will fall, and it will fall. And when that happens, the extinction of Earth and her people is all but certain. However, you have brought something that will change our fate. You have made me realize this is not our end, at least not yet. The knowledge I gained from your companion is impalpable...''

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

''...You brought us one thing that will change the outcome of this conflict with find ourselves in. A game changer on the level of the Wright brothers in the early twentieth century or the creation of the first sentient A.I. in the early twenty-first.''

Hyle stated as he stared at the helmet of the Ghost, seemingly calm. The doctor was captivated by the potential applications of psionics in various fields.

"Please, under any circumstances, refrain from exposing yourself to unnecessary danger, as you are the most valuable person in our current time. Please, do not act so brash.''

''I will take it to heart, sir.''

The Ghost responded as he turned around and approached the door, sliding open before exiting. After the returning Ghost departed, the doctor was left to his own devices, organizing his affairs to prepare for his journey to Earth's moon, Luna, a research military base.

TALE: Arc Killer

Leaving Doctor Hyle's office, the returning Ghost continued to the docks where the Hollowing Knight was stationed. But before he could make his way toward the facility's main entrance, in front of him was Doctor Lilith Lie. The doctor stood still and crossed her arms, and by the looks of it, she must have been waiting for her.

''Hello, Ghost~.''

''Doctor Lilith.''

Tale responded as the doctor approached him. The Ghost began to wonder what warranted this moment to occur. Was the doctor perhaps displeased about the accident that he caused? Or was it due to him leaving so early?

''So, you're off to whatever mission I.C.E. has assigned you and Sword and Shield, huh~?''

''Affirmative ma'am, the mission itself is cryptic, but it is something I.C.E. only wants selective individuals to know.''

''U-huh, I got that~...''

''...Tell me, Ghost, in your life, have you ever thought of the people you have aided~?''

The doctor asked, and Tale was perplexed what she meant by that. His duty and ingrained conditioning as a Ghost compelled him to protect Earth and its people. This was a question that was difficult for him to decipher.

''I don't understand the meaning of your question, doctor.''

''Hmpf, okay, I'll simplify it for you~...''

''...You are a Ghost, the ultimate form of what humanity could be. During your time of service, you have fought the Kaynian threat. Not only on our solar system but on Eldrant, the elven world~...''

''...So, tell me. Have you ever wondered what happened to the people that you have saved? Like that young elve, Joan? Or the Marines you have aided during the first contact war~?''

This spun Tale's head for a moment. Ghosts aren't versed in emotions, so this posed a challenge to his adaptability, but if he understands the doctor's question correctly. The doctor may inquire about his perspective on the measures he implemented to safeguard individuals from harm.

''I haven't, but I don't think I'd ever think about it because it comes naturally.''

''Naturally~?''

''My programming and conditioning have taught me to do all I can in a situation with efficiency. But lately, I have experienced certain urges of emotions upon being unable to stop circumstances that have occurred in the past. I have thought of it as a sign of weakness, but upon realizing the meaning behind these emotions. I think they empower me, in a way.''

''Ah, so these emotions you have invested yourself is why you do the actions you did~?''

''In a way, yes. I may not know the names and stories of those I have aided, but I will not stop doing what I feel is right for Earth and her people. I will fight, bleed, and die.''

Hearing those words, Doctor Lilith smiled genuinely. After all this time, she had gotten her answer. Although incomplete, Lilith would take what was available. Now, she was aware that Tale was genuinely concerned for those he rescued, whether they were human or not.

'Well, at least he has changed since my past self left him with Parka~...'

'...I guess he might have made that decision a decade ago without recognizing its impact until this moment~.'

Lilith thought as she approached the returned Ghost. Taking a picture of her bosom and presented it in front of Tale. Meanwhile, the returned Ghost observed the complete picture with intricate details. It depicted him alongside his mentor, Parka, standing beside Doctor Lilith.

''You may remember this picture, but I don't due to my amnesia~...''

''...So you keep it~.''

Handing it over to Tale, the Ghost would accept the picture. Upon examining it, he comprehended the reason behind his figurative mother's peculiar behavior. She had lost her memories of him and Parka.

''I'm sorry, I-I didn't-''

''Stop right there, Ghost. You don't need to say sorry. What matters is that you and Parka saved my life, even if it cost your mentor's life. I know you will do better now that you understand what happened to me~...''

''...Now, you still have a mission to accomplish. Go and make me proud, Tale~.''

Doctor Lilith stated as she walked past the Ghost and headed to her office. Leaving Tale to contemplate the picture given to him. If he could cry, he would do so, but his body suppresses that emotion.

'Are you alright, master?'

'Yes, I am. I'm just enlightened, that's all...'

'...We better get going to the Howling Knight.'

'Understood.'

Continuing his trek, the Ghost would head toward the docks where the stealth ship was positioned. With emotions still boiling in his mind, Tale would have to ensure his capabilities wouldn't be affected as much. The recent disclosure left him unsettled about his life due to what Lilith had on him.

* Date: January 22, 2183

* Time: 3:50 PM

* Location: UGS Howling Knight Bridge

It didn't take Tale long to reach the stealth ship, Howling Knight, as he entered through the front portion where the ramp was present. Upon entering the stealth ship, the entrance immediately closed and sealed itself from the outside elements. With Sarroth on his armor, the returned Ghost began to make his way to the bridge. Meanwhile, Commander West of Sword and Shield sat on his chair, patiently awaiting for his partner to give him a report. He plans to promptly establish contact with the I.C.E. agents at Atlantis Station because of the secret nature of their mission. The aged Ghost preferred to reach the station sooner rather than later.

[Commander West, Ghost Operative Tale has boarded the Howling Knight. Shall I initiate the launching sequence?]

''Affirmative, engaged the hover thrusters and have us in the air...''

"...Instruct Tale to find a seat, as we won't delay the departure for him to reach the bridge."

[Understood, commander.]

Suddenly, the entire ship shook as the hover thrusters lifted the Howling Knight off the ground. The landing gears retracted to their comparts underneath the ship's hull. The Howling Knight would then perform a one-eighty turn, pointing itself in the direction it just came from.

[Fusion Reactor performing at peak efficiently, and engines one and two are ready for afterburn thrust for launch...]

[...Commander, all systems have been verified, and Ghost Operative Tale has been apprised of your directive. We are ready for launch.]

''Good, get us to Atlantis.''

The commander declared as Bishop and Nomad buckled into their seats. In the lower compartments before the bridge, Tale took a seat and securely fastened himself, aware that the commander had issued the launch order for the Howling Knight.

[Very well, commander.]

Merci responded as the afterburners of the stealth ship started to come to life. Seated securely on board, the Ghost awaited the forceful kick that typically accompanied a stealth ship's ascent into the atmosphere. The A.I.s worked their hardest to ensure the launch would go without issues as the Hollowing Knight roared its engines.

[Initiating...]

[...In three...]

[...two, one...]

[...Engaging main engines!]

The hull of the stealth ship shook as it climbed rapidly out of Eden's atmosphere. A visible vapor trail marked the Howling Knight's ascent, observable to those on the planet's surface as it departed the breathable atmosphere of Eden and entered the exosphere. The shift in gravity was immediately the first thing the Ghosts noticed before the artificial gravity generators kicked in and canceled the zero g's of space.

[We have finally escaped Eden's atmosphere and floating freely in space.]

Getting their bearing back, the Ghost Operatives looked at the virtual screens around them and saw the pitch blackness of space.

''Merci, locate Atlantis Space Station and get us there.''

[Understood, commander.]

The A.I. then went to work and moved the ship toward the direction of the space station. It didn't take the Ghost long to discern the space station in their sensors, with Atlantis itself spanning a length of twenty-two kilometers. It was conspicuous, accompanied by various ships and hell cannon platforms strategically positioned to guard its surroundings.

''Commander, Atlantis is in visual range...''

''...There hailing us, sir.''

''Alright, Bishop, let's hear 'em.''

''Understood. Atlantis control, this is UGS Howling Knight. How do you copy?''

Bishop communicated through the ship's comms, patiently awaiting a response from the space station to answer his response to their hail. Atlantis would respond as they established communication through the comms of the stealth ship.

[This is Atlantis control, UGS Howling Knight. Please hand over your clearance for immediate security check.]

''Understood Atlantis control...''

''...Archer, if you could please hand over our clearance.''

The dark-skinned Ghost requested as his partner, Archer, appeared over his terminal and performed his task.

[Of course, Bishop, leave it to me.]

Archer enthusiastically answered and went into handing over their clearance to allow them to pass and dock on the space station. After several seconds passed, Atlantis control would inform them of their docking area.

[This is Atlantis control, clearance received and verifying...]

[...UGS Howling Knight, you are clear for docking. Please proceed to dock six for an immediate dock sequence.]

''Understood, Atlantis tower control. Will proceed with caution.''

[Roger, Howling Knight, and welcome to Atlantis.]

Having their clearance taken for granted, the stealth ship approached the space station with its afterburners. As the conversation ended between Bishop and Atlantis control, suddenly, the slide noise of the doors from the entrance to the bridge revealed Tale. Stepping inside the bridge, his companion couldn't help but stare in awe at their destination.

''Oh my! Is that one of the A.F.E.'s space stations?''

''Affirmative, Sarroth. That one, in particular, is Atlantis.''

''That is quite a marvel, my master.''

Sarroth commented that thus far, she has only seen a small glimpse of the A.F.E. navy. However, everything changed at that moment as she witnessed the masses of ships before her. The largest among them was the UGS Yorktown, an Essex Class Battle Carrier, measuring two and a half kilometers. Docked on the space stations for minor repairs after the battle that had occurred earlier.

''Hey, Sarroth! If you think Atlantis is big, wait until you see Pearl Harbor!''

The close-quarters specialist said, which perplexed the blade spirit a little. Realizing that there was something much larger than the one in front of her was surprising. But, of course, that should only be the case since her master's kin are capable of such feats of engineering. It didn't take long for the stealth ship to reach the designated dock of the space station. This left the Howling Knight to engage with her hover thrusters to gracefully land before putting its gear down. Merci prepared the necessary programs to perform the touchdown successfully.

[Nearing touchdown on dock six.]

''Set her down, Merci.''

[Of course, commander. Touching down in three...]

[...Two, one...]

[...Touchdown.]

To Be Continued.