* Date: January 24, 2183

* Time: 6:00 AM

* Location: UGS Howling Knight Bridge

The stealth ship, Howling Knight, entered the atmosphere of the Eastern Sphere of Eden. Its energy shield absorbs and distributes heat while engaging an atmospheric re-entry. Inside the stealth ship, Ghost Team Sword and Shield, along with several I.C.E. agents and officers, were buckled in as they experienced the re-entry. The A.I.s responsible for the ship's systems busied themselves with the calculations needed for a safe re-entry.

''Merci, status on re-entry?''

[We're entering the stratosphere of Eden, commander.]

The motherly A.I. stated as she conducted her work of maneuvering the Howling Knight. Beside her, Wave and Archer prepared the establishment of the comms network. Due to the intense heat and velocity of the stealth ship, all communications were rendered useless. Thus, when the stealth ship enters Eden's stratosphere. The comms network needs to be restarted by Merci and the others.

[Thirty seconds.]

Merci informed the time it would take before the ship reached the stratosphere. The commander and his subordinates waited patiently for the re-entry to be done, but not all were comfortable about it. In Sarroth's case, this was her second re-entry into Eden's atmosphere. At both times, she was fearful due to her new experience with space flight.

'Master-r, I apologize for my actions.'

She whispered as she clung to Tale's body tightly. The Ghost merely sighed in return, knowing that his companion wasn't exactly someone who had experienced this before.

'It's alright. We're almost there.'

He responded, gaining a nod from the elven spirit. It wasn't long until the thirty seconds of re-entry were finally over. The stealth ship hull met the cold air of Eden's stratosphere. The energy shielding began to dissipate from sight as the heat and velocity of the ship began to normalize.

[Re-entry complete. Performing analytic suite and decompression.]

Merci stated before she performed the last checks of the Howling Knights systems one last time. The passengers on board began to unbuckle themselves. Commander West and his subordinates immediately went to work as their A.I. partners restored the communications network.

''Bishop, give me relevant data about Eden's defenses.''

''Yes, sir.''

The dark-skinned Ghost responded before interacting with his terminal. West then turned his attention to Nomad. Who was sitting idly awaiting his command.

''Nomad, ready Howling Knights weapons, but exclude nuclear torpedos.''

''On it!''

The close-quarter specialist responded before he activated his terminal, with his A.I. partner, Wave, aiding him in the process. Looking past Nomad, West stared at the returned Ghost because he was the most experienced in magic.

''Tale, can you detect how many magic users the Kaynians have on Eden's surface?''

''Negative, sir, but Sarroth and I could provide magic readings on areas where Warlocks and Kaynian Knights are most relevant.''

''I see. Then get to it. I want possible locations of code magic users.''

Upon hearing his task, he and Sarroth began searching for major groupings of Kaynian psionic users. After handing them his orders, West waited for their results, and it wasn't long until the long-range specialist presented him with one.

''Sir, Fleet Admiral Sasha Zveroboy and the Second Fleet had just arrived in Eden's space.''

''Has the admiral given an order?''

"Yes, she did, sir..."

"...She has assigned all Ghost Teams to aid Strike Group Yorktown and the Marine Expeditionary Group with their mission to repel the Kaynian ground invasion in the east.''

Bishop informed, and West was delighted, although ignorant of the plan created by the admirals. Nevertheless, they have their orders, and they would execute them. A sigh of relief washed over the commander as he was hopeful about their chances of deterring the Kaynians from Eden.

[Commander West.]

Agent Indigo called out, and the commander swirled his seat to meet the agent's gaze.

''Ma'am.''

[I assume we will not be heading to any I.C.E. base due to the Fleet Admiral's orders?]

''Yes, ma'am.''

The A.I. agent contemplated her and her colleague's options and with the admiral's orders given. If it's an order from the admiral, there were little things that she could do, but it's not like it mattered. The Kaynians were on the ground, and any base that stood in their way would be destroyed. Hence, she would propose a solution to ensure she and her colleagues could aid the Ghosts with their mission.

[Hmm, unfortunate, but acceptable...]

[...Commander West, I propose a way for us to be of use during this dire time.]

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''And what would that be, ma'am?''

[It's clear that you'll be on the ground. Hence, I propose that my colleagues and I operate your ship while you are on the ground. This way, your partners could focus on providing you with whatever information on the battlefield. While I and my colleagues provide you with aerial support from the Howling Knight.]

The agent offered, and West saw the benefits of the solutions. Merci, after all, is just one A.I. and would be overwhelmed. And he couldn't just let the Howling Knight fly idle while they engaged the Kaynians. Since Agent Indigo is also an A.I. employed by I.C.E.. It is most likely that she is well-versed in stealth ship systems.

''Very well, ma'am. You and your colleagues may assume temporary control of the Howling Knight.''

Accepting the proposal, the commander would rise from his seat as the I.C.E. agent took his place. From this point onward, A.I. Indigo, a former member of Ghost Team Cloak and Dagger, was temporarily in charge of the stealth ship and its operation.

[Thank you, commander.]

Indigo complimented as she sat comfortably on the commander's sted. West merely nodded in return as he and his fellow Ghosts began to leave their post and exit the bridge. Suddenly, Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft made his presence known through the comms.

''To all Ghosts Teams on Eden's surface. This is Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft of the UGS Yorktown. The Fleet Admiral had just assigned us to aid the Marine Corps in repelling the Kaynian ground invasion. And I assume you already know of her orders, so I'll cut to the chase.''

One thing that West appreciated about his superiors was their blunt honesty. It was one of the defining characteristics that made him loyal to the A.F.E. and I.C.E., even though sometimes there were moments that made him uncomfortable. Nevertheless, he followed through with whatever they told him to do. Thus, he would do the same with the Vice Admiral.

''I want all Ghost Teams to aid the Marines on the ground. My strike group will engage the six Kaynian ships on the thermosphere of Eden, so be warned...''

''...Those are my orders, Ghosts. Select your targets and break their legs. This is Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft. Out.''

Hearing the admiral's command, the agents, A.I.s, and Ghosts on the bridge felt motivation flowing through their bodies. They were about to conduct operations against the Kaynians in Eden, and they would ensure that their enemies would learn not to invade one of Earth's colonies.

[Merci.]

[Yes, ma'am.]

[Are there any Marines near Lumina?]

[Affirmative, but they are outside the capital cities' outskirts.]

[That will be our heading, then.]

[Understood.]

* Date: January 24, 2183

* Time: 6:15 AM

* Location: Lumina Capital of Eden Outskirts

A battle rages between a Kaynian firing line and a Marine Company on the outskirts of the Capital City of Eden. The company, led by a Lieutenant, aims to break through the Kaynian firing line and contest the invading Kaynian for control over the capital. A hundred Marines equipped with standard MK60C Power Armor with their mechanized armor hunkered down as they received fire from their alien adversary.

''Take cover!''

The Lieutenant shouted as he rushed to the front lines and took cover behind a rock. Energy beams began to overwhelm the assaulting Marines as the Kaynian guardians showcased their marksmanship. Energy shields shimmered for those Marines caught on the receiving end of a Kaynian energy beam.

''Ethan! Get our IFVs firing on those alien bastards!''

[Understood, Lieutenant!]

The A.I., identifying as Ethan, began communication with the Hound Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Soon, the potent seventy-six-millimeter Ultra automatic cannon of the five IFVs began to fire at the Kaynian firing line. Due to the outdated strategy of the Kaynians and weak energy shields, they can be taken care of with the right tool. Loud booms echoed as the autocannon ripped the Kaynian lines with ease.

[Sir, the Kaynian lines have been disrupted.]

''Good!''

The Lieutenant responded as he peeked out of his cover before firing his MK12 Battle Machine Rifle at the disrupted and concussed aliens.

''Marines! Weapons free!''

Following their superior, the Marines return fire on the disrupted Kaynians. Then, the rushing sound of engines could be heard as several MK138 Light Armored Mobility Vehicles flew past the Marines. Firing their twenty-millimeter Peashooter autocannons at the disoriented aliens, giving them no chance to recover.

[Marines focus fire on those guardians!]

The A.I. Sargent shouted as he unleashed his marksmanship with his MK14 Designated Marksman Rifle. He and the Lieutenant fought shoulder to shoulder, directing their fire on the enemy with unrelenting fury.

''Kaynian Knights!''

Screamed a Marine as several Kaynian Knights appeared to meet them in battle. The Light Armored Mobility Vehicles would be forced to disengage and return to friendly lines as the IFVs began to open up on the approaching Knights.

''Get them!''

''Firing MK152!''

''Clear!''

The warcries of the Marines echoed throughout their comms as they opened fire on the charging Kaynians. An explosion erupted, halting the aliens, as one of the Marines fired the MK152 Anti-Tank Missile Launcher. Having been stopped by a missile, the Marines immediately took advantage of the Kaynian Knight's disorganization and opened fire.

[Lieutenant, we broke their advance.]

''Then we must return the favor...''

''...Focus fire on those knights!''

Pulling up behind them, the Hound IFVs readied for another attack. Aiming at the disoriented knights, they fired the potent seventy-six-millimeter autocannon. The loud booms erupted from the IFVs, accompanying the small arms fire from the Marines. Together, they were able to obliterate the last of the Kaynian Knights. However, unbeknownst to them, the Kaynian guardian firing line was given ample time to recover.

''Sir, the firing line is- Ack!''

The Lieutenant's eyes widened as the Marine before he was killed by multiple energy beams. His energy shield was shattered by the sheer power of the Kaynian guardians, and the titanium armor hiding behind the shield was pierced by the energy beams.

''Shit!''

[Take cover!]

The Sargent Major and the Lieutenant informed as the barrage from the Kaynian firing line commenced. But right above them, reinforcement would arrive. Several energy beams struck the firing line, erupting in multiple explosions as they connected with the shielding of the Kaynians. What appeared above them was a stealth ship, the Howling Knight, to be exact.

''Reinforcements!''

''We got Ghosts!''

''Stealth ship!''

Shouted the Marines as they witnessed the front bay doors open, and four Ghost Operatives leaped out of them. Dropping down, they landed with a silent thud. Their weapons were trained at the Kaynians. The first to fire was the close-quarter specialist, blasting an unfortunate guardian to the ground. Beside him, automatic fire erupted as the commander of the Ghosts acquired his targets. A loud boom echoed as the elite sniper of the team took out a highly skilled Kaynian guardian from a distance.

''I got them, commander.''

The fourth member of the Ghost Team stated as he charged at the remaining Kaynians, desperately trying to fight back, but they were met with his companion. Sword at hand, the Ghost sliced through two Kaynians at once as they panicked to fire at him, which they did but did not do much due to his energy shielding. After dealing with the aliens in melee combat, the Ghost activated his MK84 Multi-Shot Rocket Launcher and fired a rocket. It sped through, impacting and exploding among a conglomerate group of Kaynians.

''Their breaking! Marines! Push forward!''

Not willing to let the Ghosts take all the glory, the Lieutenant ordered his Marines to charge at the aliens. With their weapons at hand, they open fire at the surviving Kaynians. The Light Mobility Vehicles sped through and chased the Kaynians before gunning them down with their twenty-millimeter Peashooter autocannon. This would mark the end of the battle as the last remnants of Kaynian resistants were cleared. Meanwhile, the stealth ship above began to ascend as its duty was accomplished. Slowly, the Howling Knight climbed and achieved altitude for its main engines to start and fly away. Looking at their stealth ship, the Ghost saw a silhouette, a Kaynian Sentinel, striding across the capital of Eden. Above it, six alien ships hovered, overlooking the once beautiful city now burning and in shambles.

''Ghosts!''

Behind them, the Lieutenant approached the Ghost Team. Pointing their weapons down. The operatives greeted the Marine as the Ghost commander proceeded to salute. In return, the Lieutenant did the same.

''Lieutenant Jackson Domes, Cobra Company.''

''Commander West of Sword and Shield.''

Exchanging their names, ranks, and factions, they released their salutes after respecting each other as leaders.

''Ghost, mind telling me what got you here?''

"Orders from the Fleet Admiral state that all Ghost Teams must aid any Marine defenders in repelling the Kaynian ground invasion."

''Huh, so the big lady upstairs issued that. Call me surprised because I thought you were sent here to silence me!''

Jackson joked as he gave out a soft laugh. Afterward, he sighed as he felt safe, knowing that I.C.E. wasn't aiming for his head. Looking at the operative. It was best to continue the conversation and get straight to the point.

''Anyway, so you're here to help us.''

''Yes, sir.''

''Good, because we have a problem that only you and your team could solve.''

The Lieutenant stated before pointing at the capital city. West knew what the Marine was talking about the Kaynian Sentinel inside the capital. The commander nodded, confident that he and his operatives could destroy the thirty-meter-tall siege engine.

''The thing in the city pushed the battalion my company was a part of out of the capital. We threw everything at it, missiles and all! But it still tore through our defenses and punched through our ranks.''

''Any word from the others?''

''Nada, we just assumed that they're all dead, and we're the only ones standing.''

Jackson explained, and the Ghosts understood. Not only were their numbers halved, but they were also the last remnants of the Marines stationed in the capital for defense. The situation wasn't stellar, but it was manageable.

''I want you to disable that damn thing and aid us in our efforts at reclaiming the capital. If we manage to do that, we'll activate the remaining ground defenses that are still functional within the city. And hopefully, encounter any surviving Marines and bring them to friendly lines...''

''...I know I'm asking a lot, but do you think you and your Ghosts could manage that?''

Smirking behind his helmet, West couldn't care less about what mission the Lieutenant was sending them on as long as they could create a difference.

''Don't worry, Lieutenant. My team will do just fine.''

To Be Continued.