* Date: January 22, 2183

* Time: 4:05 PM

* Location: Atlantis Space Station

"Sword and Shield. I am I.C.E. agent Thomas. I will provide you with a briefing on the mission given to you.''

Standing in front of them, the agent explained his purpose to them. Thomas discerned that these Ghost operatives were among the most formidable in their category, not quite reaching the level of Cloak and Dagger or Black and White. However, unlike those Ghost teams, Sword and Shield were composed of live Ghost operatives, as opposed to the ones he had admired who had perished.

"In eight hours. The Second Fleet will embark on a counter-offensive against the Kaynians. The offensive will revolve around the derelict Kaynian frigate that the UGS Yorktown and her strike group had a run into...''

''...Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft proposed the most effective strategy to prevent the Kaynians from invading Eden and gaining a direct path to the Sol System is a trap. This trap will be the derelict frigate using it to lure the Kaynian armada to it...''

''...When they arrive, the Vice Admiral's battlegroup draws the attention of the Kaynans, allowing the rest of the fleet to take them by surprise. Neutralizing the Kaynian Armada with small losses on our side.''

The agent explained, and this got the Ghost's attention. This was the first counter-offensive done by the A.F.E. and I.C.E. For far too long, they had opted for a defensive war against the Kaynians. Now, they were striking back at the enemy, but here lies the question. What kind of mission were they given if they were setting up a trap?

''Your objective, Sword and Shield, is to deliver a distress signal beacon on board the derelict Kaynian ship to lure the Kaynians for the Second Fleet to butcher.''

There it was; the Ghost had anticipated a clever way to even the odds against the Kaynians, and here it was. Smirking at their mission, Nomad couldn't help but clap his hands, which gained the attention of the I.C.E. agent, who couldn't discern the emotion displayed to him by the close-quarters specialist.

''Well, ain't that one hell of a plan, but I'm kinda disappointed that will just be delivering a distress beacon onto a frigate to trick the Kaynians. Couldn't I.C.E. have given us a much more daring mission?''

''Well, you're in luck because besides delivering the package, you'll also place invisible nuclear mines between the Battlegroup Yorktown and the Kaynian derelict...''

''...This way, the Vice Admiral's battlegroup isn't obliterated by the Kaynian armada. You and several other Ghost Teams would be responsible for deploying as many nuclear mines as possible. Every mine you deploy would increase the chance of Battlegroup Yorktown's survival against the Kaynian Armada since they'll be outnumbered three to one.''

The agent elaborated, and this took a change of pace, never had they thought that Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft would be this ballsy enough to position his battle group against the Kaynians. The admiral found himself in a situation where he was outgunned and outnumbered, all due to a trap he had devised.

''Understood, sir.''

''Good, before I dismiss you. Might as well give you the package.''

On cue, several I.C.E. agents entered the premises, with the lead agent carrying a briefcase holding the distress beacon. Commander West approached the lead agent as the unnamed agent presented the case in front of him. A faint hiss emanated as the case opened, revealing a cylinder-like device – undoubtedly the beacon.

''That there is the distress beacon you'll place onto the derelict frigate. All you have to do is set it on the ground, and it will activate immediately.''

''I see. Has I.C.E. perhaps calculated how fast the Kaynians would find the signal and how fast they could send in a search party?''

''Not exactly, as Operation Trojan will rely on the ignorance and pride of the Kaynians, which they have a lot of right now.''

"Hmm, acknowledged. We'll proceed with our wits, then."

The agent nodded, and although the plan given by the Vice Admiral was genius, that doesn't mean it could work. There was a chance of failure due to the aforementioned reliance on Kaynian ignorance and pride. But if their President agreed for the operation to commence, then I.C.E. would follow his command without problem.

''The success of this mission heavily relies on you and that distress beacon. Ensure it reaches its target and is set down for the trap to commence...''

''...This will be all Sword and Shield. I hope that I.C.E. has selected the right Ghost Operatives for this mission. Do not disappoint us, Commander West.''

''Duly noted, sir.''

The commander responded as Thomas and his agents took their leave, but not before handing the briefcase to the commander. With the package in his hands, West sighed, knowing that certain death would await them. This was, after all, the first counter-offensive devised by the A.F.E. and I.C.E. Turning around, he signaled for his subordinates to come near him, for he would have to give them their orders immediately since Tale still needed a new power armor.

"Bishop, you're with me. We're preparing the Hollowing Knight and transporting the nuclear mines for deployment."

''Understood, commander.''

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

The dark-skinned Ghost responded before the commander turned his attention to Nomad.

"Nomad, you'll accompany Tale to the armor pool for a new set of MK60GV3 power armor. Ensure you provide him with a tutorial to help him become familiar and comfortable with the new armor."

''Roger, I'll get Tale dancing on his new power armor in no time, sir.''

''He doesn't need to do that; teach him the basics. That's all.''

''Eh, Bishop's rubbing on you, West, I tell you.''

The close-quarters specialist responded, gaining a stare from his counterpart. That Nomad ignores by winking at Bishop, which causes the long-range specialist to groan as he looks away from his counterpart. Following an enjoyable encounter with his rival, Nomad redirected his focus to his newly returned colleague.

''Alright, Tale chop chop! We got to get you your new power armor!''

TALE: Arc Killer

The two Ghost Operatives walked side by side with each other. Going through a hallway to reach the armor pool to get Tale a new power armor and teach him the ropes of using it efficiently in little to no time. As they neared the doorway, a hiss resonated, indicating their arrival.

''Welcome to the armor pool, Tale.''

Nomad said as the returned Ghost saw the amount of personnel, marines, and vehicles going about their business.

'Such wonders.'

Sarroth exclaimed as she saw the number of weapons and equipment scattered across the armor pool. Vehicles, power armor, dropships, and gunships were being worked on and rearmed for the mission that was about to come. But as the spirit awed at the wonders she saw, all of a sudden, the base of the armor pool shook as an MK1000 Konigstiger main battle tank came into view.

[That there is a main battle tank.]

''Ah yes, one of your armored vehicles, yes?''

[Affirmative, surprisingly, they were effective against Kaynian Sentinels on the battlefield, although they aren't as tough as their alien counterpart. They make up for it with their mobility and agility. Which allows them to take advantage of the sluggish movements of a sentinel.]

Wave expressed his desire to create a positive first impression on the elven spirit, noting that she was the first alien entity without any harmful intentions towards Earth and its people. Meanwhile, Sarroth stared in awe at the main battle tank as it moved away from her view.

''A lot has changed since your 'death' Tale, and as you can see, we've done the best we could with what time we had preparing for this exact scenario.''

''I assume this is because of the new president in office?''

''Orion Epta. The recently appointed leader, commander-in-chief, and director overseeing Earth's government, military, and intelligence agency. The new leadership of the U.G.E. deemed it necessary to allocate resources to this!''

Nomad pointed at the vast amounts of military equipment, and for once, Tale was impressed. In just ten years, not only has the U.G.E. expanded its reach to other solar systems but also advanced the armaments and vehicles used by the A.F.E. He could safely assume that it includes more capable FTL drives and their version of an energy shield.

''Then I'll say the resources were well spent.''

''Damn right! We didn't just win the First Contact War to sit idle and let those alien bastards roll over us with their advanced tech...''

''...Alright, look ahead. First, we take off your power armor via the assembly station. Then we take a freshly made MK60GV3 Power Armor and put you in it. Then I'll teach you the ropes and features that it has to make you comfortable with them.''

''Understood.''

As the two operatives approached the assembly station, mechanics and scientists awaited their arrival. The power armor designated for Tale was dismantled into pieces, presumably to assess the dimensions of his body and make essential adjustments before putting it on him, which was why there were mechanics besides their lab coat counterparts.

''Alright, Tale. Step up and let them do their work.''

Doing what he was told, the returned Ghost stood at the assembly station and held his arms sidewards. The arms, responsible for disassembling his old MK48GV3 Power Armor, gradually articulated themselves around him. The scientist in charge of operating the computer system interacted with the information displayed on the hologram.

'Sarroth, expel yourself from the armor's system and wait.'

'By your will, my master.'

The blade spirit reacted as she materialized outside the armor, inadvertently startling the personnel overseeing the assembly station and forcing them to watch her with awe as they saw her glowing avatar.

''What the!''

''Holy shit!''

''Jesus!''

Upon witnessing the sudden materialization before them, the mechanics and scientists exclaimed loudly, triggering a panic among the personnel.

''Ah, my apologies, gentlemen.''

Seeing how she caused her master's kin panic, Sarroth immediately bowed to express her apologies. The personnel gained their footing after the sudden appearance of the spirit. They reoriented themselves as they got over the shock of being scared shitless.

''It's alright, miss?''

''Sarroth.''

''Right, it's no big deal, Sarroth...''

''...Just stand near the other Ghost so that we may perform the stripping of your partner's armor.''

''Very well.''

Hedding the words of the scientist she had conversed with. The blade spirit floated toward Nomad, where she stood still as she saw the arms of the assembly station grab hold of her master's power armor. The technological marvel designed by I.C.E. to improve the capabilities of their Ghost Operatives was now in the process of being stripped. The power armor, once in pristine condition, now exhibited signs of damage, with visible scars from the intense battle over Eldrant. The time had come for the returned Ghost to relinquish the armor and return to the vulnerability of his flesh. The teams of mechanics and scientists gathered around the assembly station, and the arms of the station inched closely before grasping the armor. With precision, the arms and shoulders were the first to be taken off, revealing the battle-worn arms and biceps of the Ghost. Seals were unfastened, neural interfaces disconnected, and the helmet, symbolizing cruel effectiveness, was the last to be removed. In the end, the Ghost stood freed from the power armor, fully exposed and wearing only his skin suit, but surprisingly, his face was hard to make out.

''Power armor stripped. Proceed to scanning and biometrics.''

''Understood, doc...''

''...Alright, pull out the scanners.''

On cue, the scanner hummed as it mapped the contours of the Ghost physique, ensuring optimal comfort and functionality. Following the body scan commenced with a biometric interface. The marine placed his hand on a sensor, initiating a scan that ensured a secure connection and recorded the date of the armor's placement. This biometric authentication guaranteed that only the authorized Ghost could interface with the MK60GV3 Power Armor. The assembly station initiated the activation of the armor's exoskeleton servos. With each limb articulating seamlessly, the mechanical embrace heightened, calibrating the wearer's movements and facilitating the precise placement of armor plates on the chest, stomach, crotch, shoulders, arms, thighs, and legs.

Simultaneously, the fusion reactors securely mounted within the power armor hummed to life, infusing the suit with the energy needed for enhanced strength and agility. The helmet descended, sealing with a satisfying hiss. The Heads-Up Display flickered to life, projecting vital information onto the visor that connected the Ghost to the armor's integrated systems. Finally, the activation of the reactive energy shielding. A subtle shimmer enveloped the power armor, creating a protective barrier against incoming projectiles or energy beams. Completing the last procedures in mounting the power armor securely on the Ghost. Tale stood still at the assembly station and waited for the failsafe A.I. to finish its routine.

[MK60GV3 POWER ARMOR ONLINE...]

[...GHOST OPERATIVE. CODENAME TALE. VERIFIED...]

[...INITIATING NEURON CONNECTION.]

The failsafe A.I. within the armor declared as the neuron connection seamlessly linked the Ghost's sensations directly to the power armor, effectively merging his brain with the armor's systems.

[CONNECTION COMPLETE.]

Having completed the assembly of his new armor set, Tale descended from the assembly platform, now fully outfitted with the latest model of power armor. He was prepared to once again express his grudges against the Kaynians.

''Hmpf, how's the armor? I bet ya, it's more comfortable than the old MK48.''

''It's satisfactory.''

''Huh? The fuck you mean satisfactory? Ugh, you know what, never mind...''

''...Mechanic test Tale if his neuron interface with the armor is working right.''

A mechanic sprung into action and approached Tale while holding a holo pad. Nomad merely gives space for the short test to determine if the neuron connection was working fine without issues or errors.

''Alright, Ghost. You're still new to the MK60's system, so this test would determine whether or not your neuron connection is doing just fine. And don't worry, it won't take long.''

''Understood.''

''Good. Please focus on the light while it moves left and right.''

Tale then complied with and followed the light source presented to his peripheral vision.

''Now look up and down.''

The mechanic requested as he placed the light source up and down, which the Ghost followed without problem or issue.

''Everything checks out, Ghost.''

''Great, now kick off the training wheels...''

''...I still have a training course for Tale to do before going onto the field.''

To Be Continued.