* Date: January 22, 2183
* Time: 8:25 AM
* Location: UGS Yorktown Hangar Bay
''I don't get it...''
''...We lost him on Mars ten years ago. So why did he pop out now?''
Nomad complained because a few hours earlier. They figured out the identity of the Ghost stranded on the Kaynian frigate. Although he wasn't so keen on the things I.C.E. did with its operatives, he at least wanted to know how their fellow Ghost survived. The last he heard of him was from his commander, West, and he wasn't so sure about what happened to the guy. Other than I.C.E. and Tale, everyone was left in the dark.
''This sounds too convenient if you ask me, Bishop.''
''How so?''
''I mean, he was wearing MK48! An outdated power armor model that was used during the first contact war! If I.C.E. shenanigans roped in Tale, they could at least give him the same power armor we use.''
''Hmm, I get it. You're confused, and we all are...''
''...We may not know how Tale reappeared this far off into space and with the same power armor he used ten years ago. Evidence by the damaged sustain by what I assume was from a Kaynian energy sword tells me that he has been busy, but let us not assume that I.C.E. had anything to do with it...''
''...For all we know, they are as clueless as us.''
The dark-skinned Ghost responded to his counterpart. In truth, he was more interested in cleaning his Anti Material Rifle than worrying about the reappearance of Tale. Although it did make him cautious of their comrade, it's not exactly comforting when a supposed dead operative comes back to life and takes control of a Kaynian ship.
''It's not natural, Bishop.''
''And I am not arguing with that. The commander will handle Tale when the time comes, but right now, we wait.''
''Hmpf! That doesn't mean I have to like it.''
''Didn't say you have to.''
Nomad pouted as he stared at their stealth ship, the Howling Knight. The ship was currently being operated by their A.I. on board and was keeping pace with the entire strike group. Most importantly, they were headed to Eden, the first planet colonized outside the Sol System. And with the confirmation that Kaynians were creeping into U.G.E. space, the colonies were on full alert.
'I wish West wasn't so quiet about this, but it's not like he knows what's happening either...'
'...Maybe I'm just worried, but why would I? I barely know the guy, and most conversations I ever held with him were mostly grunts and shrugs. Then, why? Is this some human emotion bullshit? Is that it?'
The close-quarters specialist contemplated. It's never disclosed to the entire A.F.E. that Ghost Operatives sometimes have trouble coping with their emotions. Nomad was currently suffering about how he would welcome and accept his fellow Ghost back into S.&.S. The Problem was he wasn't confident about his social skills, a common problem most operatives have when interacting with their fellow soldier outside of fighting or completing a mission.
''Bishop, Nomad.''
''Sir!''
''Sir!''
Snapping out of his thoughts, Nomad immediately stood up and saluted to their commander. The commander, West, was not wearing his helmet, exposing his aged features, such as his gray hair and wrinkled face. But for the aged Second Generation Ghost, he was still an operative created by I.C.E. and was a slave to its authority.
''At ease.''
West ordered, and they complied as their commander approached them. Handing over a holo pad containing their new orders and circumstances regarding their found comrade. The two ghosts eagerly received the holo pad and observed its contents, and from what they expected, it wasn't much.
''That's our orders from I.C.E.''
The commander answered as the two operatives stared at the holo pad before putting it down. Something was amiss about their new orders. Usually, it would boil down to another reconnaissance mission or going into deep space for observations of any Kaynian activity. But now, it wasn't the case: it was odd for them to be assigned to an escort mission.
''We'll escort Tale to Doctor Hyle Schwarz, commander?''
''Indeed Bishop as I.C.E. has deemed it necessary to observe the changes to Tale's body from his long deployment, or so I have been told.''
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''Sir, permission to speak?''
''Granted, what is it?''
''Tale was assigned to a deployment outside of U.G.E. space?''
''Indeed, but I don't believe that to be true...''
''...I was there when Tale supposedly 'died' after Operation Shadow Bite. I classified him as K.I.A. I carried the burden of his death much like those that had served beside me. And to think that I.C.E. knows what happened, bullshit. They're just interested in how he survived and where he's been.''
''So, they are as clueless as we are.''
West didn't need to say a word; just a nod is all it takes to confirm Bishop's response. The Ghosts of Sword and Shield couldn't help but feel a hint of anger in their veins. Although, they couldn't exactly turn their backs on I.C.E., whether they liked or hated them. They were the key to ensuring that Earth and her people would survive no matter the cost.
''So when are we going?''
Nomad chimed in, opening another front for their conversation. By now, he understood how shady I.C.E. had been, but it wasn't their job to complain about it. Ghost Operatives were designed to carry out missions on behalf of I.C.E., serving the interests of the U.G.E. They had no say in whatever their superiors thought was necessary.
''When the strike group exits real space jump. Then, we'll report immediately to the Vice Admiral on the bridge. Afterward, it's our mission to escort Tale to the research facility in Eden, codename Gilgamesh.''
''Understood-''
Before Nomad could complete his sentence, Yorktown simultaneously exited the real space jump and arrived at their destination, Eden. The planet had the A.F.E. Second Fleet of one hundred vessels strong and forming its defenses. Ships of all sizes were present to defend this colony, from the flagship UGS New Jersey, Iowa Class Super Carrier to the various Battle Carriers, Heavy Cruisers, Light Cruisers, Destroyers, and Crovettes hovering above Eden. There were also two rings of the famed Hell Cannon Platform steady in its orbit with several space stations prepared to accept the strike group for docking.
[Attention all personnel! We have arrived at our destination! I repeat! We have reached Eden!]
Luck, the A.I. in charge of Yorktown's systems, announced throughout the intercom. Meanwhile, Sword and Shield reoriented themselves as they realized they'd arrived in Eden. Looking at the commander, the close-quarter specialist saw the aged Ghost Operative sigh as they needed to rush things.
''Looks like we're going earlier than usual. The Vice Admiral must want to report back to the Fleet Admiral post haste. I can't blame him after seeing a Kaynian frigate appear this close to Eden...''
''...We're left to pick up the pace, Ghosts. Ready your gear because after the briefing with the admiral finishes. We're moving out. Understood?''
''Of course, sir!''
''Crystal!''
* Date: January 22, 2183
* Time: 8:30 AM
* Location: UGS Yorktown Bridge
Standing firm on the bridge, the Ghost Operatives of Sword and Shield observed as Vice Admiral Abraham Gaft approached them. Beside the admiral was Tale, the Ghost that S.&.S. thought to be dead, but here he was. Staring at the Ghost, the commander immediately noticed the damage sustained by his power armor.
''Sword and Shield meet Ghost Operative Tale. I assume that I.C.E. already told you of their excuse about his sudden disappearance ten years ago?''
''They did, sir.''
''That they did, Commander West, but right now, we're left with no choice but to follow their lead on how this should be handled. I know you harbor some strong emotions regarding the Ghost's return, but right now, you will keep those emotions away and stick with your objectives..."
"...As you all know, Tale is needed for reevaluation on a research facility, codename Gilgamesh.''
Appearing in front of them was a holographic rendition of the research facility. The structure was heavily guarded, with Marines and artillery emplacements scattered across its area. The question was, why did this facility need such security if it was just a research facility?
''This is Gilgasmesh, and for your information. No, I'm not allowed to hand information about why this research facility is heavily guarded. Although, as you could probably tell, I won't stop you from poking inside its premises if you're that interested, not like I care.''
''Noted, admiral.''
''So, all you have to do is escort Tale to the research facility and ensure Doctor Hyle Schwarz conducts his research safely with the Ghost, but I will warn you. I.C.E. will have all ears listening to everything, and I mean everything...''
''...Only escort the Ghost to Gilgamesh, and after the doctor is satisfied with his work, he returns to Sword and Shield. Afterward, you report to the Fleet Admiral.''
The Vice Admiral stated, and the members of Sword and Shield understood his orders. Abraham knew that I.C.E. was trying to play this cool, and if they wanted to figure out what was happening. Assuming they knew something was going on. Then, this mission would enlighten them about how Tale managed his way here. At least that's what the admiral thinks but wasn't aware of I.C.E.'s foreknowledge about Tale's reappearance and journey.
''Sir, what about the Kaynians?''
Nomad questioned because, for the longest time, they hadn't asked about the elephant in the room. While being assigned an escort mission to a heavily guarded research facility was acceptable for them, the question remained: how did the navy plan to address the imminent Kaynian threat? Babylon had already fallen, and their latest engagement with a Kaynian frigate signifies their presence near Eden. However, it was seized by Tale as a way to reach the strike group. It still places everyone on edge, and if a Ghost could do it, the Kaynians aren't that far off.
''Right, them. I'll be honest with you. Tale was responsible for bringing that Kaynian frigate to face with the strike group. We're currently assuming that the Kaynians already know of Eden's existence. So, most of the Second Fleet is on full alert...''
''...Our experts believe that it would only be weeks, possibly days before Mesopotamia and Eden are discovered by the Kaynians. So, we're under the assumption that if they find us, we could hold our ground. Babylon fell because we were taken by surprise. Now, it won't happen.''
Abraham stated, but a hint of dread latched itself onto his shoulders. He knew that even with the technology they possessed, the A.F.E. could only do so much before being outnumbered by the Kaynians. The leadership of the U.G.E. knew this, and there would be a repeat of what had happened ten years ago. Billions dead, planets scorched and burned.
''And if we can't hold them back, admiral?''
''An apt question if there were somewhere else to place our hope, but unfortunately there is not.''
After all this time, ten years of improving themselves both technologically and philosophically. The A.F.E. couldn't even guarantee they couldn't prevent the loss of billions of lives, let alone defeat the Kaynians this time. They won because they were lucky that the supposed 'fleet' was a flotilla.
''That will be all Sword and Shield. Gear up, Ghosts, because the doctor is already waiting for you at the research facility. With this mission, there will be no room for delay or failure. Our time is finally running out, and it's best we use it wisely...''
''...Good luck, Ghosts.''
''Understood, admiral.''
TALE: Arc Killer
Stepping onto the hangar bay of the Yorktown, Commander West led the approach, and behind him was the package being escorted to the dropship that would get them to the Howling Knight. To the right was Bishop, and to the left was Nomad. Seeing the MK124 Avian Dropship that would allow them to their stealth ship, Sword and Shield moved in and were greeted by an airman.
''Commander West, sir!''
''Airman, is our ride to the Howling Knight ready?''
''Yes, sir! I've also been briefed by I.C.E. about the package, sir.''
''Good...''
''...Tale, get on. Bishop, Nomad on his side at all times.''
Nodding at his soon-to-be commander, Tale entered the MK 124 Dropship and buckled himself onto one of its seats. As soon as everyone was onboard, the avian dropship engaged its four thrusters and lifted off. The rear doors closed as the MK124 exited Yorktown's hangar and headed to the Howling Knight.
''Ghosts were heading toward the stealth ship...''
''...Awaiting A.I. confirmation for landing solutions.''
[Stand by airman, solutions sent.]
''Received, going in for landing approach on UGS Howling Knight.''
With help from the stealth ship A.I., the dropship approached the rear hangars safely due to the solutions inputted into its systems. The dropship landed as it entered the compact hangar at the rear of the stealth ship.
[Avian dropship is successfully docked, commander.]
''Good, and Merci, get us a heading to Gilgamesh.''
[Understood, commander...]
[...It is located in the northern hemisphere of Eden. The research facility, codename Gilgamesh. Adjusting, stealth ship heading to zero-five-zero.]
''Get us there immediately.''
[Of course.]
To Be Continued.