With the Twins leaving the scene, Trixie focused her attention back on Esther. She let out a small sigh of relief seeing that Trixie was doing overall alright, only a few minor cuts and bruises. Esther carefully helped Trixie to her feet as she tried to process the events that just took place.
Trixie winced slightly as she got up, her body still recovering from the fight. She looked at Esther and gave her a weary smile. "Thanks for stepping in there. I really owe you one.”
Esther smiled back at Trixie, nodding her head lightly in recognition of the appreciation. Even if she couldn’t speak, her eyes conveyed her understanding and care. The two stood in a moment of silence, catching their breaths.
As they stood there, Trixie took a moment to assess the situation. The twins had retreated, and it seemed like they wouldn’t be returning anytime soon. The immediate crisis averted, Trixie turned her attention back to the most important matter at hand.
Trixie looked at Esther with a serious expression. "I need to find Piper. Those twins weren’t the only ones that infiltrated the base tonight. Geneva and her troops stormed the control room and took her.”
Esther’s eyes widened at Trixie’s words with concern etching across her features. Piper was a good friend of Trixie and she knew it, and the thought of her in the Platinums’ clutches was unsettling. Esther grabbed Trixie’s arm firmly, her silent expression conveying her readiness to act. Trixie nodded, appreciating Esther’s nonverbal cue. She knew they had to find Piper as soon as possible.
Thinking for a moment, Trixie asked, "Any idea where they would’ve taken her? The Platinum Army must’ve had a plan in mind when they stormed the base.”
Esther looked thoughtful, contemplating Trixie’s question. She pulled out a pen and notepad, writing quickly. Moments later, she gave Trixie a piece of paper that read:
“During my stint as a member of the PA, I caught wind of Katyusha's plan to create ‘artificial humans’. She may be using Piper to advance her research. If my assumption is correct, she may be headed to the Research Institute of Supernatural Human Ability with Piper in tow.”
After reading the note, Trixie's eyes flared. "The Research Institute of Supernatural Human Ability..." Her grip tightened around the paper, crinkling it slightly. "They’ve been trying to create artificial superhumans in their labs, right? Do you think they’d be trying to use Piper as some sort of guinea pig for their twisted experiments?”
Esther’s eyes darkened at the thought, a silent understanding of the danger Piper could be in. She wrote another note:
“It is a high possibility. The PA has always been ruthless in achieving their goals, and the potential power of artificial humans is too appealing to ignore.”
Trixie read the note and nodded, her teeth gritting tightly. "Those bastards..." The anger in her eyes flickered like an icy flame. "They've gone too far. I can't just stand here while they use Piper as some test subject. We need to stop them.”
Esther agreed, her expression tight with resolve. She quickly jotted down another message:
“The Research Institute is heavily fortified and guarded. The PA will be expecting us. We need a plan.”
Trixie scanned the note, her brow furrowed. "You're right, it won't be easy to break in. And they'll have doubled down on security by now, especially with a high-value target like Piper in their possession…”
She then looked at Esther, her expression determined. "But we don't have a choice. We need to rescue Piper, no matter what it takes. You're a former member of the Platinums, yeah? Do you know anything about the layout of the Institute that could help us? Any weak points, secret entrances, anything.”
Esther nodded, then quickly scribbled on the notepad:
“The institute has multiple levels, and the security system is state-of-the-art. However, there is a blind spot in the CCTV system on the eastern side. And there's a secret entrance on the west side as well, but it's heavily booby-trapped. The trickiest part will be getting through all the guards and security measures once we're inside.”
Trixie read the note and thought for a moment. "So we have access to a blind spot on the east side and a secret entrance on the west, but both come with their own challenges. Sounds like we'll need to be stealthy and clever to pull this off… Thanks for the intel, it helps. Any ideas on how we’re gonna deal with the guards and the other security measures?”
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Esther wrote again:
“We'll need to be quick and precise. Try to incapacitate as many guards as possible stealthily, but prepare for a fight. There are also numerous security cameras and motion detectors throughout the institute. And the entrance isn't just booby-trapped, it's rigged with high-tech laser devices as well. We'll need to hack into the mainframe system to disable them before we can enter.”
Trixie scanned the message, digesting the information. "That's quite the security fortress...but it sounds like we can at least have a chance."
She smiled grimly. "We'll have to take them by surprise, incapacitate any guards quietly, and avoid detection from the cameras. And we'll need to hack the mainframe to disable the traps at the secret entrance. Sounds like we’re in for quite the adventure.”
Esther nodded, her eyes determined. She then wrote one last message:
“The mainframe is guarded by a team of the PA’s top-level cyber security specialists. It will be heavily encrypted, and they’ll be expecting an attack. If we want to get past that, we’ll need a tech-savvy person who can handle such a job.”
One person immediately came to Trixie's mind.
“Uni. She can handle that, she's a natural at cyber warfare.”
Trixie's expression shifted as she heard footsteps approaching. Both Trixie and Esther turned their heads towards the sound, only to see Uni herself, clad in her Fairylyl Alliance uniform, striding towards them. A smirk danced on her lips as she approached the duo.
"Greetings, ladies," Uni said with her usual playful tone. "Looks like you could use some help?”
Trixie gasped in an exaggerated way, saying, “Uni, the heck are you doing here?! We were just discussing you!”
“Y'know what they say, speak of the devil,” she joked with a snicker. “But seriously though, Svenja told me about your mission here, so I thought, why not lend a hand and help you kick some Platinum ass? But I see I'm late for the party, ah well.”
Trixie, her expression turning from surprise to relief, nodded at Uni. "We could still use your help for another more dire mission, Uni. This new situation's a mess and we need someone with your specific set of skills.”
Uni's smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Ah, so you're finally recognizing my talents, huh? I'm all ears, what kind of mess have you gotten yourselves into?”
Trixie's expression became serious. "The Platinum Army has stormed the base and taken my friend, Piper, captive. We need to rescue her, but they're keeping her inside the Research Institute of Supernatural Human Ability.
“Oh snap, we're going to RISHA?”
“Yes. It's heavily guarded and rigged with all kinds of security measures. We've got access to a secret entrance, but it's rigged with high-tech laser traps.”
Uni's eyebrow raised at the mention of the secret entrance being rigged with laser traps. "Hoho, sounds like you've got a pretty intense mission ahead. But never fear, Uni's here! As the resident tech wizard, I'm sure I'll be able to handle the security systems. But we will likely be up against some tough guards, too. How do you propose we deal with them?”
Trixie glanced at Esther, who gave a nod, then she turned back to Uni. "We're planning on incapacitating them as quietly as possible, but we may have to fight depending on the situation. We don't know how many guards are inside, but we can expect a challenge.”
Uni chuckled lightly. "Well, well, looks like we're going on a little heist here. So, we'll be sneaking in, disabling the security systems, and trying to rescue your friend all without drawing too much attention to ourselves. Count me in.”
Trixie smiled, feeling encouraged by Uni's agreement. "We figured we'd need some high-level skills for this. Your tech prowess will definitely help us, and your ability to handle any unexpected situation with your Morph Emblem will be useful too.”
Uni nodded, her smirk shifting to a mischievous grin. "Of course, my Morph Emblem comes in handy in such dire situations. I can adapt to any situation easily; I can transform into a hex-casting witch, a sneaky ninja, even a Magical Girl. And those aren't half of my total number of transformations. Now, let's get to work. Where's this secret entrance you were talking about?”
"It's on the west side of the Research Institute," Trixie responded, "But it's rigged with laser traps."
Uni's eyes sparkled, clearly excited by the challenge. "Laser traps, eh? No problemo. I'll take care of them. Now, about the mainframe…”
Trixie looked at Uni intently. "The mainframe will be guarded by the PA's top-level cyber security specialists. They'll have it heavily encrypted, and they'll be expecting an attack. I was hoping you could hack it to disable the traps.”
Uni's grin widened. "Oh, you want me to hack into their system, eh? No problem. Security systems are my bread and butter. I'll hack into the mainframe, deactivate the traps, and we'll be in like Flynn.”
Esther gave a thumbs up to Uni, appreciating her skills and confidence. However, Trixie's expression grew serious as she addressed another concern. "There's one more thing we need to talk about, Uni.”
Uni leaned forward. "What's on your mind, Trixie?”
Trixie took a deep breath, her gaze shifting. "Uni, we're all aware of the reputation of your family. The Martinkos aren't exactly known for their benevolent intentions and high morals…”
Uni's posture slumped slightly, and she let out a soft scoff, a dark smirk spreading on her face. "Ah, so you've done your research, eh? Yes, the Martinkos certainly have earned their reputation. But believe me, I'm not like them, nor do I approve of their past methods or beliefs. Besides, if I were truly the same as them, do you think Svenja would allow me to be in the Alliance, let alone be its co-leader?”
Trixie looked at Uni seriously, her eyes piercing. "I believe you, Uni. But we need to be cautious. If someone finds out who you are, it could put us in danger. Not everyone is going to trust you immediately, given your family's reputation. We need to ensure that you remain unrecognized and your identity stays hidden. Understand?”
Uni's smirk faded a bit, replaced with a more solemn expression. "I understand. My family's reputation has painted me with the same brush. But you don't have to worry. I'll keep a low profile and keep my identity concealed. I don't want to give anyone a reason to doubt my loyalty.”
Trixie nodded, satisfied with Uni's response. She knew that trust was something that had to be earned, and she was willing to give Uni the benefit of the doubt. "Good. We'll need you on our team, but we can't have your connection to the Martinkos compromised. We're counting on you, Uni. Just remember, the fewer people who know about your true identity, the better. For all of our sake.”
Uni's expression regained its confidence, and a smirk played on her lips once more. "Don't worry, I'll be as stealthy as a ninja. Your secret is safe with me, and so will be mine. Now, shall we focus on the task at hand?”
Trixie nodded, relieved that the matter was settled. "Yes, let's focus on the mission. Uni, I trust you to handle the mainframe. Esther, you and I will handle the guards. We'll get in, find Piper, and get out. Are we all clear on the plan?”
Uni smirked confidently. "Crystal clear. I'll take care of the mainframe and disable those pesky laser traps. You two can concentrate on rescuing Piper and dealing with any guards we encounter.”
Esther gave a firm nod and smiled at Uni, appreciating her skills.
Trixie beamed, satisfied with her friends’ resolve. "Sounds like a plan. Let's do this.”