Marcus Pane: Planet Taraya, third cycle, the planetary year 2052
He arrived at the Dry sea early. The restaurant was already closed. The black curtains covered the windows, and four guards were stationed at the front door. They wore full body armor made of silkar. Their white uniforms had no stripes. They were the highest-ranking military personnel. Most likely a former special-ops squad from the Tarayan army. There were so few of them still alive. Their reputation was legendary. They were terrifying people. What kind of a mission would ask for their involvement?
When he approached the entrance, one of the guards raised his arm gesturing him to stop. Marcus showed him the ring in his right hand in response. Guard inspected it, nodded, and unlocked the door.
The door led to the short hallway crowded with spec-ops officers, many scientists, and a few generals who survived the Swift sorrow war. One of them recognized Marcus and approached him wearing a massive grin.
“Marcus, you survived for real. I thought Nakaral was pranking me when he said he found you working as a water plant technician. I've never expected that from the Tarayan hero. “ General Tendar Clyde, Marcus knew the old man. He was the commander of the spec-ops back during the war and might still be. His soft face and outgoing attitude hid his true cold-hearted nature well.
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“I am no hero, sir. I only fought in a Swift Sorrow war like many of our comrades. I only, by the will of fate, happened to command the famous Last battalion. Real heroes were the ones defending civilians at the Ancestral river. The ones who fought them. That reminds me, sir. Tell me, you commanded the spec-ops during the wartime, and this rumor was going around that your fellas managed to kill few of them. I am curious if you could confirm or deny it. Is it possible to kill one of them?” Marcus finished his long monologue and scanned the general's face for some tells of the possible lies that were to come.
But to no avail. Tendar was a master of deception and secrecy, and there was no change to his speech patterns or his regular mannerism.
“My boys? No, not a single confirmed kill. I did hear some stories, but nothing official. It might have been some classical wishful thinking that later morphed into rumors. It might have been the truth. It is not mine to judge. I did hear about that one paramilitary unit. Hard as nails, all ex-military veterans. They bragged about how they managed to kill a few, but nothing official. I say be safe and pray that you never have to fight them. They are a calamity. They are death incarnate. “ general Clyde finished and patted Marcus’ back, trying to act friendly.
“But enough with the war stories. Let us not keep our benefactor waiting. “ he added while showing him with the other hand to enter the Dry sea main hall.
After entering, Marcus’ eyes unintentionally fixated on a tiny blonde girl sitting at the table across the door. Scientists circled her like vultures. She turned her head towards the sound of the opening door and looked at him with piercing green eyes. Something terrifying sent chills down his spine, and he flinched. This girl, whoever she is, is an existence beyond comprehension Marcus thought while watching a tiny blonde walking toward him while offering a handshake
“I am Marie Sanders of the Exonerated. Nice to meet you, mister? “ and her soft voice didn’t fit her at all.
“Marcus Pane, nice to meet you too.”