* Date: January 24, 2183

* Time: 6:35 AM

* Location: Lumina Capital of Eden

Above the capital, Kaynian vessels shadowed the city of Lumina. Six ginormous alien ships brought their troops to the surface of Eden to lay waste. Meanwhile, the Kaynian Sentinel stridden across the capital. Its massive stature humbled the planet as its foot caused massive tremors. Three energy cannon barrels were scattered across its body. However, unbeknownst to the alien siege engine, the Marines of Cobra Company made a daring move to seize one of the defense centers of the city.

''Move it!''

''Go! Go! Go!''

''Push forward!''

Running through the field, Marines rushed to seek cover as the Kaynian firing line ahead of them opened fire. Energy beams struck the energy shields of the Marines, but they did not punch through, allowing them to advance.

[Marines open fire!]

The sergeant major ordered as he aimed his BMR and fired at the firing line. His subordinates would follow and fire their respective weaponry.

''Kill the demons!''

A Kaynian Knight shouted as he summoned his energy saber and led his fellow Kaynians to battle. Charging forward, they were met with gunfire, depleting the durability of their energy shields. Coming with them was Hoof pattern Paladin galloping its way to aid the knights with their charge.

''Incom- Ack!''

Shutting the Marine down was the Paladin's energy lance, firing a beam that penetrated the shield and armor of the Marine.

[That Paladin's going to kill us...]

[...Focus fire on that Paladin!]

Hedding their superior's command, they commence fire on the lone Paladin. But try as they might, their small arms fire couldn't shatter the heavy energy shield of the Hoof pattern Paladin, but they did succeed in halting its approach. However, in their attempt at gunning the Paladin down, they neglected the Kaynian Knights that charged toward them.

''Argh!''

A Marine grunted as he was pinned by a knight before having his chest embedded by an energy saber. The Marines engaged the Kaynians as they fired at them, not missing their shots and quickly dispatching their shields before putting them down for good. The knights slowly whittled down as they were gunned down by the surviving Marines.

''Demons! You shall- Ack!''

Now, it was time for the Kaynians to receive their own medicine. Gunning them down were the arriving MK138 Light Armored Mobility Vehicles, rushing to the front as they fired upon the firing line and the knights close to their comrades.

''We got armor!''

The Marines rejoiced as their Lieutenant arrived with MK1132 Hound Infantry Fighting Vehicles and MK1131 Hound Armored Personnel Carrier. Approaching their commanding officer, the sergeant major wanted to address the situation.

''Ethan, what's the status?''

[They took the bait, Lieutenant. My Marines flushed out their numbers. From the look of it, these are the remaining Kaynian defenders in this sector of Lumina.]

''Good, we're moving on to phase two...''

''...Ghosts! You're up!''

Arriving at the scene, the four Ghosts Operatives made their presence known by sprinting forward at the Kaynian firing line. Their black power armor identified them as high-priority targets by the guardians. However, their energy shielding would tank the energy beams coming their way.

''Nomad, fire your launcher, disable that Paladin!''

''Of course!''

Hedding the command of his superior, the close-quarter specialist engaged his MK84 Multi-Shot Rocket Launcher and fired all four of his rockets at the Paladin. The rocket-propelled projectiles raced to their target and exploded. Four explosions later, the heavy shielding of the Hoof pattern Paladin was no more. Leaving the Kaynian open for a headshot.

''Bishop, finish that Paladin!''

Aiming his MK20 Anti Material Rifle, Bishop lined his sights before squeezing the trigger, which sent a twenty-millimeter uranium-tipped round at the Paladin's head. The Kaynian recoiled as the round punched through the metallic skull, which allowed it to thud loudly on the ground, lifeless.

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''Paladin down.''

Hearing the response from his subordinate, the Ghost Commander took out his BMR and aimed it at the firing line.

''Nomad, Tale, with me. We're pushing them out...''

''...Ready your propulsion system.''

Bearing their weapons, the two Ghosts obliged, eager to engage the alien menace.

''Understood.''

''Crystal!''

Charging forward, the Ghosts Operatives sprinted the distance between them and the Kaynians. Activating their back propulsion system, closing the distance with ease. However, their shields were now at critical levels as they had absorbed much damage from Kaynian energy fire. Immediately, the Ghosts utilized their psionic capabilities and teleported within the ranks of the Kaynians. Approaching the firing line. Tale switched to his spirit companion and sliced through numerous guardians. Meanwhile, Nomad got to work and unleashed buckshot on their alien adversaries. Quickly pumping his shotgun, the hot cases were ejected as he fired at another Kaynian, shattering its shields and killing it. The commander merely stood behind the two as he fired a full burst at the aliens that were being slaughtered by his subordinates.

''Marines! We're pushing!''

Just behind the Ghosts, the Marines engaged the Kaynians as they unleashed their weapons at the firing line. Meanwhile, the IFVs followed the Marines and fired its potent seventy-six-millimeter Ultra autocannon. Continued rapid fire showered the Kaynians as MK183 Wyvern Anti-Tank Guided Missiles peppered those unaffected by the Ghost Operatives' havoc and slaughter. The accompanying APCs and LAMVs flanked the firing line, carrying with them Marines designated to combat other sectors of Lumina. It wasn't long until the last guardians were subdued, clearing the passage to the city. Bodies littered the battlefield, Humans, Artificial intelligence, and Kaynians scattered across without rhyme or reason, just death and destruction.

''Lieutenant, the area is cleared.''

''Great job, commander..''

Giving his compliments to the Ghost Commander, the Lieutenant turned around and met the gaze of his Sergeant Major.

"Ethan, stick with the IFVs. The Ghost and I will scout ahead while you and the rest follow our lead."

[Very well...]

[...Who will you be taking, Lieutenant?]

''Bring me, Daniels, and the twins.''

Nodding at the Lieutenant, Ethan accessed the comms to ask where Private Daniels, Ying, and Yang were.

[Corporal Daniels. Privates Ying and Yang. The Lieutenant needs the three of you on a mission.]

Upon hearing their names, the mentioned Marines appeared immediately at the call of their sergeant major. Looking at the Lieutenant, they knew things would get interesting if they went with him and the Ghost Operatives beside him.

''Corporal Daniels, reporting!''

''Private Ying-''

''-Private Yang Reporting!''

Stating their name and rank to him, Jackson eyed the armaments that the Marines were carrying. The Privates were dawning BMRs, same as him. However, the Corporal had an MK14 Designated Marksman Rifle. The launchers attached to their third arm were standard MK84 Multi-Shot Rocket Launchers only.

''Alright, listen up! Our objective is to reactivate the defenses in the capital. At the same time, our Ghost counterparts will handle the Sentinel. If we do this right, the capital will be ours!''

Taking a pause. The Lieutenant stared at his Marines, wondering if they had any questions regarding this operation.

''Any questions?''

''No! Sir!''

The Corporal shouted as the twins nodded in unison. Looking at the Ghosts, they nodded at the Lieutenant, agreeing to his decision.

''Good, let's move!''

The Lieutenant shouted as he, his Marines, and the Ghost Team sprinted into the city. Meanwhile, the Sergeant Major and the IFVs organized themselves to prepare their trek inside the Kaynian-occupied capital.

TALE: Arc Killer

The Marines and the Ghosts maneuver their way into the quiet roadways of Lumina. Checking their surroundings, the Lieutenant was vigilant of the environment as they traversed into the city and took cover behind debris. Just above them, Bishop parkoured his way from building to building as he carried on his back his weapon.

''Ghost, what do you see up there?''

''The roads are clean, Lieutenant, no Kaynians spotted.''

Hearing those words, the Lieutenant immediately signaled his men and the Ghosts in his charge to move. Seven power-armoured combatants sprinted across the silent roadway. All around were civilian vehicles burning and crushed, with some even having dead bodies in them.

''Damn, this place used to be lively. Now it's a graveyard.''

Private Yang commented, noting the human and humanoid skins littered around the roadway. Nevertheless, they had to push forward to accomplish their mission. It wouldn't be long until they reached an intersection, and much like earlier, signs of devastation and destruction were present.

''Lieutenant, Sentinel, contact up ahead!''

The Corporal stated as they saw in the distance. The backside of the Kaynian Sentinel, having its turned back against them, would give the Marines and Ghosts an advantage. But looking behind the siege engine, the Lieutenant realized it was patrolling something, the defense center facility.

''Sir, that things have their back turned against us.''

''And it's also patrolling an area where the defense center facility is located...''

''...Ethan, come in, we spotted the Sentinel. I repeat. We spotted the Sentinel.''

Activating the communications suite of the MK60C Power Armor. The Lieutenant contacted his sergeant major and informed him of the change.

[I hear ya, sir. Should I rush to your position?]

''Affirmative, we're currently hunkered down in an intersection.''

[Roger that.]

After sending his orders, Jackson disconnected the comms and immediately heard the rumble of tracked vehicles to their position. Three of the remaining MK1132 Hound Infantry Fighting Vehicles arrived at the intersection. Exiting out of one of the vehicles was the sergeant major.

''Lieutenant! We're here as requested!''

The A.I. sergeant stated as he greeted the Lieutenant. Looking ahead, he immediately noticed the Kaynian Sentinel striding in the distance.

[That the Ghosts, target sir?]

''Affirmative, but it looks like we're gonna have to take that thing out.''

[How so, Lieutenant?]

"The defense center facility we need to activate to destroy that Sentinel is being patrolled by the Sentinel."

[Damn it...]

[...What's the plan?]

Activating his virtual interface board, the Lieutenant showed their position and the Kaynian siege engine. Looking over the terrain would greatly benefit their objective of destroying the lone Sentinel. The roadways were clear of traffic-only debris, and abandoned civilian vehicles were littered everywhere. If they could utilize the mobility of their IFVs and lure the Sentinel to a disadvantageous position, they could potentially destroy it.

''We'll lure the Sentinel to a dense and compact area.''

[Would the business sector of the city do?]

''Aye, that could work. When we drive that sonofabitch out, the Corporal, the Privates, and I will go into the defense center facility and reactivate the defenses while it's distracted.''

[So, shoot and scoot tactics?]

''Affirmative. But if that thing is still standing. The Ghost will infiltrate its body and destroy it from the inside.''

Looking at the Ghosts, the Lieutenant saw the commander contemplating. From West's perspective, they were essentially doing two things to solve one problem. This was alright with him because it would usually take several long-range missiles to bring down a Sentinel, and they didn't have that luxury.

''Anything you want to add, commander?''

''I suggest you lay a trap for the Sentinel in the business sector.''

''Elaborate.''

''I assume that the IFVs are carrying Marines?''

Commander West asked, and the sergeant major nodded. The Hound Infantry Fighting Vehicle has the same characteristics as its Armored Personnel Carrier counterpart. However, unlike the APC, the IFV could only carry four people due to the armaments occupying most of the space.

''It would only need one IFV to lure the Sentinel while the rest and the dismounted Marines wait in the buildings of the business sector. This way, less risk is involved, allowing your Marines' small arms fire to distract the Kaynian further. For us.''

Hearing the Ghost's reasoning, the Lieutenant could see how his men could survive this whole ordeal. Smiling behind his helmet, the Lieutenant nodded, agreeing with the Ghost Commander's proposal.

''Then, we'll do that. Ethan, I want you to man one of the IFVs and lure the Sentinel. The rest I want to be hidden in buildings. Along with the Marine dismounts...''

''...Ghosts, where will you be?''

''Will be on the higher floors of one of the buildings in the business sector. We'll leap off and land on the Sentinel. We haven't exactly done this, but we'll make it work, Lieutenant.''

''Very well, let's get to work!''

To Be Continued.