* Date: January 24, 2183

* Time: 8:20 AM

* Location: UGS Yorktown Bridge

On the bridge of the battle carrier, key individuals stood side by side, planning their response to the Kaynian contacts over Eden's Western Sphere. Attending the meeting were Commander West of Sword and Shield, Lieutenant Jackson Domes of Cobra Company, I.C.E. Agent Indigo, Senior Officer Tanaka Lie of the Amagi, Vice Admiral Abraham of the Yorktown, and his X.O., Luck Gaft.

''Let's get to the point. Our alien adversary recently defeated the Second Fleet and is now deploying troops over Eden's Western Sphere. Reports from the west state that every city has been overrun by Kaynian ground forces. The last stronghold that hasn't been taken over by the Kaynians is the research facility, codename Gilgamesh.''

The Ghost Commander and the Lieutenant listened closely to the admiral as they consumed the information given to them. Thus far, their expressions have been stoic, but underneath, they were horrified. If the Kaynians had already overrun cities on the west, their chances of holding them were slim.

[Gilgamesh is currently vacant as the scientists and researchers present were evacuated to Earth. The armored squads and Marine companies stationed there took off due to the issue of orders from Rear Admiral Shin Zaka and Vice Admiral Picket Cob...]

[...However, the missile and anti-air artillery within the research facility are still operational. Thus giving us an advantage in a defensive against the Kaynians.]

''Your objective is to hold the line on Gilgamesh and wait for the reinforcement from the other fleets to arrive.''

The admiral added as his wife projected a holographic model of Gilgamesh with its operational artilleries. It didn't take long for the Lieutenant to notice that the research facility only had one entrance. This is due to the rocky geography of the terrain where Gilgamesh was constructed, providing it with a natural defense. Forcing any would-be invader to walk through the only path that leads to the entrance of the research facility.

''I see that the facility has only one path to its entrance. That's good. This means we could set up traps before they reach us.''

[I agree with the Lieutenant. However, where will Yorktown be while we engage the Kaynians? If you don't mind me asking, Vice Admiral?]

Indigo inquired as she knew about the battle carriers' situation. She knew that its powerful super-type hell cannon had recently been disabled by the Kaynian Corvette that they had engaged. With no hell cannon, how could Yorktown deal with the Kaynian super capital?

''One problem at a time, Agent Indigo...''

''...I know we're outnumbered and outgunned, but we have to make do with what we have.''

Abraham responded as he dodged to answer about what should be done against such a vessel. Meanwhile, Senior Officer Tanaka had her concern to be addressed. Hearing that Gilgamesh was a research facility meant that the injured crew of the Amagi could be dropped there along with the equipment needed to stabilize their condition.

''Vice Admiral, I want to address my injured sailors of the Amagi.''

"Ah, yes. Don't worry, Tanaka. When we arrive at the research facility, the Yorktown's medical staff and equipment will be dropped off along with your sailors so they can be treated in a less crowded area than my battle carrier."

Hearing a response from the admiral made the Senior Officer's heart eased. With how bad the odds were against them, it was a relief to learn something good. However, the situation with the sailors of the heavy cruiser was the last of the Vice Admiral's thoughts as he ascertained everyone's reaction to his plan.

''Does everyone follow?''

The admiral asked, and his subordinates nodded in response. Seeing how his colleagues were in agreement. The Ghost Commander stared at the Vice Admiral before responding.

''Affirmative, sir.''

''Good...''

''...Then, ladies and gentlemen, we have work to do!''

TALE: Arc Killer

In the hangar of the battle carrier, Yorktown, activity bustled as the Marines of Cobra Company and the Ghosts Operatives of Sword and Shield were stocked with supplies, ammunition, and missiles for their mission. Hound Infantry Fighting Vehicles and their Armored Personnel Carrier counterparts were hooked to Avian Dropships for immediate launch to Gilgamesh. Meanwhile, the smaller and nimbler Light Armored Mobility Vehicles were being hooked onto their respective dropships in pairs as they were light enough for a dropship to carry two of them.

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[This is not a drill. I repeat. This is not a drill...]

[...Research Facility codename Gilgamesh is a few minutes out. All Marine personnel ready for immediate deployment.]

Luck stated through the intercoms of the battle carrier, and as she did, the Marines being called upon lined up for their Lieutenant. Jackson Dome proudly marched toward his Marines as they saluted to him because, for all they knew, this could be their final mission on Eden.

''Marines! Those dumb red cans finally had the metallic balls for finally attacking Eden! But they stumble onto something that they haven't prepared for, and that's because Eden is no place for their metallic ass to be in! I don't care if their shiny super capital is deploying red cans all over Eden. That's why we, the proud son of bitches of the A.F.E. Marine Corps, will not let them do scott-free!''

The Lieutenant shouted to his Marines as he turned around to them, awaiting his response.

''Am I right, Marines!''

''Sir! Yes! Sir!

''Hmm, damn right I am. Now move it out double time!''

Immediately, the Marines of Cobra Company rushed to their respective Avian Dropships for transport. Meanwhile, the Lieutenant would receive an incoming call from the bridge, specifically from the Vice Admiral.

''Lieutenant Jackson, report.''

''Vice Admiral, all my Marines, and the Ghosts are geared and ready for deployment.''

"I see. Be advised that the Howling Knight and a squadron of drones will escort you and your Marines to Gilgamesh. Luck has informed me that several Kaynian contacts are headed for the research facility. Be prepared for a fight when they reach you."

''Understood, admiral.''

Jackson responded as he boarded a dropship with the Sergeant Major and the Ghosts present. Taking a seat, the Lieutenant waited for the sound cue of the engines of the Avian Dropship to purr and kick.

[All Avian Dropships are clear for launch. I repeat. All Avian Dropships are clear for launch.]

The Avian Dropships carrying the Marines, Ghosts, and armor lifted off, exiting the hangar and moving into open space. One by one, the dropships successfully launched and sped to their objective. On the surface of Eden, silhouettes of Kaynian Sentinels and massive groups of Kaynian troops could be seen marching across the planet's landscape.

[Avian Dropships. This is Agent Indigo of the Howling Knight. We're trailing behind you along with a squadron of drone crafts.]

The agent informed as they followed behind the squadron of dropships to their heading. Accompanying the stealth ship was a squadron of drone craft enveloping the dropships on all sides, escorting them as they descended. Entering the stratosphere of Eden, turbulence shook the hulls of the descending group of aircraft. It wouldn't be long before the research facility appeared on the sight of the incoming Dropships.

''Lieutenant Jackson, we're approaching the facility!''

''Atmosphere?''

''Green, sir!''

''Good, pop the hatch.''

''Understood, sir!''

The pilot of the Avian Dropship responded before interacting with the terminal in his cockpit, which opened the bay doors of the aircraft. The Marines and Ghost saw the hail of snow they would endure during their stay at the facility. Immediately, the Lieutenant would interact with the comms that allowed him to be heard by his entire company.

''Alright, Marines, listen up. Our first priority is to clear the research facility and reactivate the artillery pieces. We also need to gather intel on the incoming Kaynian troops and set up traps along their way to slow them down when they finally notice us.''

The plan was simple: if they needed intel on the incoming alien contacts, the Ghosts of Sword and Shield would handle the task. Commander West would patch through the general comms used by the Marines to rely on his willingness to volunteer his Ghost Team to the cause.

''Lieutenant. May I suggest something?''

''What is it, commander?''

''Let me and my Ghosts gather intel on the Kaynians. This way, your Marines would only worry about setting the defenses of the research facility.''

''Well, aren't ya a kind one commander...''

''...Very well. Get your Ghosts to scour the area and report back if the Kaynian contacts get near us.''

The commander need not say a word as he nodded in response to the Lieutenant. It didn't take long for the dropship squadron to be near their landing zone on the vacant docking area of the facility. Meanwhile, the accompanying stealth ship and drone craft squadron broke formation and headed toward the battle carrier.

''Marines! Dismount!''

Jackson shouted, and the Marines of Cobra Company followed. Metal boots thudded the icy ground of the base's ship dock as the Marines hurried to secure the premises of Gilgamesh. Among the combatants to follow were the Ghost Operatives. With a different set of missions, they would need to quickly get to their objective and scout for the incoming Kaynians.

''Sword and Shield move out.''

''Roger that, commander.''

Tale responded as he, Bishop, and Nomad followed their commander to the entrance of the research facility to perform their mission.

* Date: January 24, M2100

* Time: 8:30 AM

* Location: Northern Hemisphere of Eden

In the frozen, frigid wasteland of Eden's Northern Hemisphere, Kaynian Lord Zeon and the famed Warmaster Kostas observed the last stronghold of the humans and their constructs in the distance. They have noticed their descent earlier from one of their capital ships. Thus, they have assembled a vanguard of Kaynian troops to assault the remaining human resistance.

''Lord Zeon. How is our progress.''

''My Warmaster, our troops are finding difficulty in traversing the frozen landscape of this planet. However, progress is made.''

''Elaborate.''

''Our troops will reach the demon's last stronghold in an hour...''

''...It is not ideal, yes. But we will reach our destination.''

The Kaynian Lord answered boldly, and the Warmaster hummed as he heard the report. Although dissatisfied, it was the reality of their situation. Turning around, he approached the kneeling Lord. Kostas had learned from his mistake of blaming his subordinates for troubles that were to be.

''Ensure our troops make their way to the stronghold. For you shall lead the assault.''

''Then, I shall bring glory to you and our Arc's name!''

Remarked Zeon as he eyed the Warmaster after enduring the duty of vigilance onboard the Oblivion. He was about to lead his fellow Kaynians into battle against the chosen of their enemies. But Kostas wasn't so sure about his Lord's claim. For he had made the same proclamation and faced failure because of it.

"Be careful, Lord Zeon. I made a mistake that is deeply embedded in my core. Do not underestimate the chosen of the Deities."

''I shall take your word as a command.''

''Do not disappoint.''

The Warmaster's last words echoed through the hearing sensors of Kaynian Lord Zeon as the Warmaster walked away from the vantage point where they could see the last human stronghold in the distance. When his superior finally left, a group of Kaynian Knights rushed to Lord's position to report a finding they had discovered.

''My Lord!''

''Hmm.''

Turning to his left, Zeon saw several of his high-ranking knight escorts. They all knelt before him, one stepping forward to confront him before kneeling like the others. These Kaynians must have something to report if they came to converse with him, noting that. Zeon would address what report they were about to give him.

''What is it?''

"My Lord, our scouts have discovered that only one path leads to the demon stronghold."

Hearing the answer from his subordinate, the Kaynian Lord couldn't help but curse. Not only were the humans defending against them, but it seemed the environment and the path leading to the stronghold favored their adversaries.

''What shall we do, my Lord?''

''Grr, position our Ogre Pattern Paladins in the front with the guardians. They will act as a shield for us as we close the distance. And have our Warlocks prepare for range psionic bombardment of the stronghold's shields. Knowing the demons, they will have it heavily defended.''

''By your will, Lord Zeon!''

To Be Continued.