“Icarus, I want that report.”

“Yes sir,” Icarus said softly, his head lowered. “Squad preparations for the second phase of Operation Calypso are complete. Support and secondary squads are in position and ready for the third and fourth phases of the operation. By your command, they’ll execute their missions.”

“Then tell them to start,” I said, slamming my fist on my desk. “Why should we prolong the inevitable and allow our enemies more time than they deserve?”

“Understood, sir. All squads, break and open rocks. Hydra squad, xhalium mine. Siren and Chimera squads, corazium mine. Kraken and Minotaur squads, arkanium mine. Harpy and Cyclops squads prepare for kutonium mine. Glory to the Republic.”

“Good,” I replied, laughter echoing around my office. “Soon, Icarus, we’ll bring those who’ve opposed us to their knees.”

“If only we see it the same way, Senator,” a stern voice punctuated the laughter, ruining my moment as its owner walked into the office with the rest of the leadership. “This is our only chance to return the Republic to its former glory; we shouldn’t act in haste.”

“Oh, Quillon, you should know this,” I said, motioning for the group to take a seat as Icarus bowed and took his leave. “I held myself back during my less pleasant meeting with Laurentius. I would’ve loved to kill him many times over for what he did to our Republic and our people. But I didn’t. What rights do you have to tell me not to act in haste?”

“I’m sure he means for you to take it easy, Sir Pixy,” Marek interceded, taking a seat between the two of us. “We’ve all been with you since the fall of the Republic, after all. We share the same sentiment as you.”

“Besides, years have passed since you’ve taken a break, Sire,” Zarek continued, sitting opposite her brother. “You among the five of us deserve to rest.”

“And you know my answer,” I replied, taking my seat at the head of the table and addressing the group. “When the Republic is forged anew, when our foes and their false idols are burnt to ash, when our people can live in peace and prosperity. Then, and only then, will I rest.”

“Then we shall keep this brief, Sir Pixy,” Kaz said, rising from her seat and handed a YOLOL chip to me across the table. “The Premier is making a move.”

“That pile of scrap?” I exclaimed, nearly breaking the chip against the table. “After all this time, he chose now of all time to do something instead of hiding under the heels of the Kingdom. What’s he going to do, try and fight us?”

“Hence my caution, Senator,” Quillion answered, arms crossed. He glanced at the twins’ look of surprise as he continued, “Prometheus has discovered that the Premier is moving to investigate the convoy incident and possibly knows we’re involved. We don’t know how much he knows, but we can assume that the entire first phase of Calypso has been compromised.”

“Then where’s our leak? We can’t afford to take any unnecessary risks, not when we’re this close.”

“I can assure you that they don’t know about the following phases, Senator-”

“I don’t care what they know, Quillion. I want that leak plugged before the second phase is over. Make sure Gorgon and Minotaur are updated.”

“Understood,” Quillion started, an arm poised to contact Gorgon and Minotaur squad operators. “Kaz, continue your report.”

“The share of credits from the sale of the fleet’s location has been used as you’ve instructed,” Kaz started, looking through her own YOLOL chip. “New Coyote II and Wing II have been added to the shipyards and their weapons and armour refitted for battle. We’ve also taken the liberty of painting them in the colours of our enemies.”

“And what of the issues Epimetheus and Pandora found?”

“According to Epimetheus, he managed to hide our backdoors and his squad has already ensured that corazium mine will never be discovered. As for Pandora…”

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“What?” I stared at her, tapping my foot as I awaited her answer. “What is keeping her from executing her mission?”

“Pandora’s target just called for a council of war, scheduled right in the middle of xhalium mine. She’s altering the plan as we speak.”

“And does she know why the target called for a council of war?”

“No, neither she nor her squad has any information.”

I paused, mulling over what Kaz had said. A council of war at this time wasn’t unexpected, but managing to keep its contents from Pandora was a cause for concern.

“Tell her to update me when she can. I don’t need two endos hiding information from us at this time.”

“Yes, Sir Pixy. I’ll have her update us once her mission is complete.”

“And what of preparations for kutonium mine?”

“Assuming no contingencies, we can expect to deploy the full might of our forces by the time the Empire reaches the Kingdom capital. Casualty estimates are still within acceptable parameters, given Prometheus’ reports of the Premier.”

“And what of Marek and Zarek’s part?”

“Gorgon squad is ready, Sir Pixy,” Marek answered, looking over from a hushed conversation with his sister. “As planned, oninum mine will be carried out immediately after the attacks.”

“And once the mission is complete, we’ll be in place for the final phase of your plan, Sire,” Zarek continued, taking a glance at her brother. “However, we would like to make a request.”

“And that is?”

“Allow us to join our squadron in the attack. Given Sir Quillion’s information and the actions taken by our targets, my brother and I believe that there’s a possibility that our plans are being leaked from someone up high. If so, changing any part of the plan would complicate any counter-attack against us."

“I agree,” Quillion interceded, looking back up from his communication. “There’s no reason to believe that our opponents figured out our plans without an informant. Someone outside the High Council has to be the one who leaked our plans.”

“A few Endos would fit that description,” Kaz answered, turning towards Quillion. “Like the two agents we sent to finalise the assassination deal with Handler and his agency. If we take into account the leak, it will make sense why the original attempt failed.”

“And who were the two Endos sent?” Marek asked, staring at Quillion. “You were the one who tasked them to negotiate, weren’t you?”

“I did, which is very concerning. The first goes by the name of Canvian and I can guarantee his commitment to the Old Republic,” Quillion started, his voice trailing off as he seemed to realise something. “But the other Endo seems like he has something to hide. He goes by the name-”

Before he could continue, a loud knock on the door caused him to stutter, breaking the tense atmosphere in the room. A flash of cloak framed the figure as they opened the door, walking forward and taking position near the entryway. Optics flicked back and forth, scrutinising the newcomer as they stared back at the onlookers.

“I apologise for the disturbance, but Sir Quillion, urgent report for your eyes only. You have to see this,” the Endo said, moving forward and handing a YOLOL chip to Quillon.

“I see. I’d excuse your interruption, Marksman, but your presence is needed.”

“Of course, Sir. How may I assist you?”

“Who are you,” I stared at the Endo standing before me, looking at the gold cape fluttering about. “I don’t ever recall seeing you in our ranks.”

“This is our first time meeting, Sir, I only recently joined your movement after being recommended by one of the members."

"And who are they?"

"He goes by the name Zet. I believe he’s still out on a mission."

“How peculiar,” I shot a glance at the members of the High Council, noticing that they’ve caught the discrepancy themselves. “Tell me, how do you know Zet’s pronoun?”

“He told me himself, Sir. When outside, only call him he, him, himself.”

“I see. I apologise for doubting you Marksman,” I replied, putting a hand beside my sidearm. “You’re dismissed.”

“Thank you, Sir. Please excuse me,” he bowed, turning towards the door.

“Ah, while you’re at it…” I started, raising my weapon at him. “Leave that YOLOL chip you stole from Kaz.”

Without missing a beat, Marksman whipped around, a primed grenade flying across the room from where it had been concealed beneath his cape. I lined up a shot, only for my line of sight to be blocked by Quillion hurling a table over the explosive. The dull thud of the blast rippled around me as the grenade exploded, leaving the table and its surroundings in disrepair.

Looking around at the now ruined room, I turn my sights towards where Marksman once stood, staring at the ruined doorway and hearing the thunder-crack of shots being fired. Bullet holes riddled the corridor as sounds of gunfire echoed down it.

“Remember these shots,” I holster my weapon, looking at my four subordinates. “Our long war in the shadows has come to an end. Now we fight in light and glory.”

“Guards!” Quillion shouted, moving towards the doorway, his revolver in hand. His voice boomed through the intercom as the sounds of shouting and gunshots echoed throughout the corridor. “Intruder in the base! Gold cloak, armed and dangerous. Shoot on sight, lock down all exits and ships.”

---

“Sir… arkanium mine has failed.”

“... I want you to send for Kaz… tell her she has a new mission.”

“Sir?”

“Just do it, Icarus.”

---