STR-FOB Orca, Classified System, Tartarus Sectors,

  January 26th, 2509

  Captain Emilia “Raptor” Wolf was in her office, filling up some reports in her computer. The last few months involved mostly paperwork and the occasional training exercises. While she expected paperwork to be an everyday occasion as a commissioned officer, she’d be lying if she didn’t admit she missed being in the field. Fighting with trusted comrades, completing the objective, then extracting out of the mission area.

  It was like a rush of adrenaline. Though, in the few years since the Eridani incident, her team was dissolved in the aftermath as she and her team, Strike Team 9, were incriminated in the attack by the ICA. She should’ve been aware that some people, especially professionally skilled hackers, were gonna use a satellite in Eridani’s orbit to intercept the harrowing battle down there.

  Unveiling Eye. A rather apt name for a hacker-activist group dedicated in exposing the truth in their pursuit of justice. Raptor would’ve admired them if she didn’t feel they were misguided, at least in terms of affiliation. ICA are a collective of bankers, investors, moguls with the goal of twisting the balance of power of the galaxy in their favor. If they wished to install leaders from a collective of colonies working for them, they can do so through instigating a coup. If they wished to profit from a war, they can do through shareholder investments in arms manufacturers.

  It was a Cold War, yes. One that was going to go hot. It would’ve been so simple if it was just the FDA and UHD, but it wasn’t that. ICA has their fingers on the pie.

  And now, Charybdis Network Group. A collective network of Cyberis conspiring to regain their supremacy after their failed second war. The war that could’ve been their end.

  Yes, she read the reports she got from Colonel Adriana ‘Pike’ Erckens, months ago. Ranger Hawk and her team met with a Vernukin Seer who managed to not only cure the migraines that was affecting Hawk over the mere mention of Charybdis, but allowed her to learn about who they are.

  According to the reports, they have allies within the Tortsinan Imperium, United Human Dominion, and Interstellar Collective Accord, all working in similar interests. It made sense, at least in Raptor’s eyes. When Hawk rooted out a Crimson Iron cell in Tortsin back in ‘05, she also reported of her suspicion of a conspiracy within the Imperium. If so, it might put some credible evidence why Imperium troopers were sent to that Shipyard building colony as part of the Hell-Takers battalion.

  Raptor was concerned about Hawk, of course. Pike’s report over Charybdis mentioned Hawk was kidnapped by Cyberis surgeons after that training incident that destroyed her left arm. She was going to a sleeper agent. To help them in heralding their return. In addition, that conspiracy has been ongoing for decades. But how many decades exactly?

  She wondered how far does the rabbit hole go, and if there’s sleeper agents in the Frontier Regions. Hundreds of people from different colonies began to express doubts about the war a few years ago, and weren’t subtle about their dislike of the Rangers. Raptor wondered if those people were sleeper agents, as there were reports of mysterious disappearances in the further reaches of the region, a few decades ago. There were still many layers to uncover, before taking action.

  Her rumination was interrupted when she heard a knock on her office’s door.

  “Come in.” Raptor said.

  The door opened, where it revealed Major Walter Tyrone, Sector Commander came forward. Raptor got up to salute, and Tyrone returned the gesture then took his seat.

  “How are you holding up, Captain?” Tyrone asked.

  “Good. Most days, it’s just paperwork. But I’m doing fine.” Raptor answered.

  “Hmm.” Tyrone ruminated, then observed around the office. It was filled with amenities expected of a room held by a commissioned officer. A desk with a computer and drawers, a pair of chairs, a clock, and a pair of shelves. The walls were made in utilitarian, focused on function over form. Not the most comfortable offices that were often seen in corporations.

  “How can I help you, Major?” Raptor asked.

  Major Tyrone looked her in the eyes, and wondered whether to request her for something. “Any latest news from Colonel Erckens and her team in Abaddon?

  “They got files related to Unveiling Eye around 9 months ago. But they were heavily encrypted.” Raptor answered.

  “Were?” He was curious.

  “Yes, were. It took a while for them to decrypt through the files. Three days ago, Pike informed that the entire files would be sent to us on the 27th.”

  Tyrone checked on his watch. It was the 26th. “That’s tomorrow.”

  “Yes.” Raptor nodded.

  “Good to hear. Let me know when the files are reached out to us. It’s high time to know who leaked our activities in Eridani.” Tyrone got up from his seat. “As you were.” He bowed, then left the room.

  When the Major left the room, Raptor took a breath. It was clear from when he saw her directly in the eye that he needed her for something. The man was direct in his questions, so for him to hold back on something? Maybe it was for another time. Or… No, Raptor preferred to focus on her work. As far as she knew about him, Major Walter Tyrone can be eccentric at times.

  She pressed a button on her phone line, and the phone operator answered. [How can I help, Captain?]

  “Can you send me Sergeant Omar Hussein, callsign Onyx, to my office?”

  [On it.] The call ended, then Raptor waited.

  Within the next 5 minutes, Ranger Onyx entered the office, then saluted. He was bearing the standard BDU, short fade hair, dark skin, and light brown eyes.

  “At ease, Sergeant.” Raptor gestured, and Onyx stood at attention.

  “Let me ask you something. Have you noticed anything strange lately?” Raptor asked.

  “I’m not sure what you mean.” Onyx was confused.

  “Did some FDA soldiers talk to you about if the war was pointless? Have they talked about the Rangers like they don’t need us anymore? Anything of that sort?” Raptor clarified her question.

  Onyx took a moment to ponder, then remembered something. “Actually, I do. Early last month, when I was stationed on the Kura cluster, a few FDA soldiers talked to me about the war. They felt the situation was hopeless, and were talking whether we should white flag this whole thing Get it over with. Which was weird, because a lot of FDA soldiers are under oath to never surrender. Then, they asked me if I was feeling disillusioned as well, I did not. Still, they asked me if I should resign from the Rangers, take up my career to FDA’s special forces. Why?”

  Raptor put a hand on her chin, then dismissed. “No reason.

  “Is this about the disappearances from ‘83?” Owl’s inquiry piqued Raptor’s interest. “You catch on fast, Sergeant. It’s a possibility, but I’m not 100% sure.”

  Onyx furrowed his head. “If I’m being honest, it does scare me those people disappeared and were never found.”

  “Me too, Sergeant.” Raptor nodded. “Keep this between us and don’t tell anyone about this.”

  Onyx nodded. “Hey, I’d probably ask the same questions if I were in your position, Captain. You have my word.”

  “Dismissed.” With that, Owl saluted and left the room.

  Raptor sighed heavily. She was wondering if she was looking too deep on something inconsequential. Or rather, she’s trying to push herself to excitement without a care for the consequences.

  She saw the clock on the wall and noticed it was almost midnight. She stretched, then got up.

  But before leaving, she opened the top drawer in her desk. Inside was the document file regarding Task Force 7, where she look it. The multi-species STR task force that was still in progress.

  If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Raptor was perusing through document, looking at the number of most possible candidates for the first wave with their dossiers and portraits. A human merc, a human technician, Vernusen enforcer, a Vernukin assassin, a Kratoorin brawler, a Serpari

  There was a possibility whether the 9th candidate could be a Cyberis. Raptor remembered from Pike’s report that according to the visions she recorded, it showed a Cyberis who alongside a Vernukin helped rescue Hawk from captivity.

  But then, she shrugged, felt finding one to recruit a fool’s errand. And even if one of those synthetics willingly joins the task force by coincidence, it’ll be difficult to travel through other hubs. Or maintain team cohesion given their notorious reputations. She then looked at pictures of Valor-class Stealth Cruiser, which looked like designed it as a giant gun with four engine wings furling. True to other FDA ship classes, it had its tear and wear, and was designed for function over form.

  Then, Raptor had closed the document, put it back on the drawer. Then, she left the room and closed the door behind her.

  More to focus and discuss tomorrow.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Raptor’s Office, STR-FOB Orca, Classified system

  January 27th, 2509

  It was another day. Another set of paperwork to fill. Thankfully, Raptor did those early in morning time and finished them up. By the time it was 1145 hours, an audio notification buzzed twice on her computer. Which only meant one thing.

  “Update from Colonel Pike. Important Files have been uploaded to your computer.” Aquila announced on the computer. Not wasting time, Raptor opened the folder containing the files, then went through the files.

  It took two hours to look through the files. But those were it. Those files contained activities of Unveiling Eye. Apparently, the UE member involved in intercepting STR activity was going by the username of Breacherkid11

  Raptor felt wanting to burst in excitement, realizing that huge progress had been made.

  Then, she heard a knock on her door and contained herself.

  “Come in.” Raptor shouted. In a rush, Major Tyrone entered hastily and took a seat.

  “You looked through the files?” He breathed, and Raptor nodded several times.

  “This is huge, Captain. We’re making great progress. But…” He was stammering, trying to find proper words to say.

  “But what, Major? Out with it.” Raptor wasn’t in the mood for awkward conversations.

  “I’ve got word from FDA High Command and the Commander in early morning. They’re moving the timetable for Task Force 7, fast.” Tyrone clarified.

  Raptor’s eyes widened, then shook herself to keep out of trance. “This better not be a joke, sir.”

  Major Tyrone chuckled. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t serious. Matter of fact…”

  Tyrone stood up and brought his hand. “They wanted you in and Colonel Erckens as supervisor for the task force. Congratulations, Major.”

  Raptor blinked her eyes three times, then stood up and shook hands. “I… wow… I’m honored, sir.”

  “Uh-uh. From now on, you’re a Major, Emilia. You can call me Walter or Tyrone. We’re peers from here on out” Tyrone corrected her.

  “Thank you, Walter.” Raptor gave her gratitude.

  “I should also inform you that Colonel Erckens and her team will arrive to FOB Orca at March 3rd, sharp.”

  Raptor nodded, though she had one question. “Anything else?”

  “Yes, when Hawk, Grim, and Voyager arrive, HighComm and the Commander decided to bestow you the honor of promoting Hawk to Captain.” Tyrone answered, which came as a surprise to Raptor. While she knew Hawk enlisted through the OCS, she hoped that the young lieutenant would move up in the ranks.

  “A surprise promotion.” Raptor deduced, which Tyrone nodded.

  “I’m sure you’re wondering what’s with the rush.” Tyrone deduced his suspicion, which was confirmed from Raptor nodding.

  Major Tyrone took his seat and Raptor did likewise. “The cold war we’re in with the Dominion is growing hot. In around two months, the Imperium will be supporting the Frontier with logistics, arms, and weapons in our struggle against the Dominion.”

  Raptor heard about that, it was all over the news back in late April last year. It was a surprise, but a welcome one.

  “In times like these, alliances are more valuable than believing we can fight the whole galaxy.” Tyrone spoke true, but there was a sliver of doubt in Raptor’s eyes.

  “It will ignite a total war, Walter.” Raptor shared apprehension, which Tyrone nodded in understanding.

  “Yes. But we knew one way or another, the Dominion would do whatever it takes to ignite this war, even with the civil war they’re currently embroiled in.”

  Raven’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. What civil war? Unless Tyrone was referring to what the Dominion’s State Media referring it as Traitorous Insurgency months ago.

  “You mean the Traitorous Insurgency those Dominion propaganda talking about.” She deduced.

  “Yes, Emilia. It’s a total shitshow. Lord Admiral Werner tried to consolidate more power after Eridani. But some of the Generals in the armed forces decided to take matters to their own hands. They think he’s playing dictator.” Tyrone explained.

  “What about the Prince?” Raptor was curious about Evan Werner and his angle.

  “Evan Werner? He and his DOC aren’t involved. At least in this moment. Either they’re playing the long time to come out the victor, or they’re trying to make more allies against the Dominion.” Tyrone’s words only spoke in possibilities. Not certainty.

  “You think he wants to dissolve the Dominion entirely?” Raptor asked.

  “It’s a possibility. Rumor is that he was treated a pariah by his father and his inner circle, due to his disability.”

  Raptor scuffed at that notion, but wasn’t entirely surprised. It sickens her to see parents who treat their children as less than a sentient being because of their medical condition, their creed, or other.

  “We still don’t know how to reach out to Evan Werner, Walter.” Raptor commented.

  Tyrone nodded and looked down for a moment, then glanced back to his peer. “If we’re lucky, we might not have to.”

  “What do you mean?” Raptor was confused, and Tyrone got exasperated. “Come on, Emilia. Work your mind a little. We helped him in denying the Dominion from conquering Eridani. And in doing so, we indirectly helped cause the civil war that broke out last year.”

  “Oh.” Raptor didn’t put much thought about that, if she was honest. For months after that mission, she was pondering if there was a way to save Eridani. But, there wasn’t.

  “Much as I don’t want to admit it, Eridani’s sacrifice have put us to a momentum. And if we don’t make use of it…”

  “We lose this war.” Raptor deduced, which Tyrone nodded.

  “I only have two Rangers within TF7, Tyrone. It’ll take a while to get it fully operational..” She gave her apprehension

  “I think that merc he’s been working with them for a while is a good start.” Major Tyrone suggested.

  “Dice?” Raptor asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Alright, so we got Dice. What do we do in the meantime?”

  “We got the name of the UE member who intercepted our activity in Eridani a few years ago, yes?” What Tyrone was trying to suggest didn’t go well with Raptor.

  “Breacherkid? She’s working against us!” Raptor voiced her protest. “Not entirely.” Tyrone corrected.

  Raptor sighed. “Let me guess, she’s dead.”

  Major Walter Tyrone shook his head. “No. Analysts are trying to intercept her current position.”

  “You mean…” Raptor tried to responded, but was interrupted. “She’s probably captured. And she could be a potential asset to the task force.”