• Date: January 22, 2183


  
• Time: 9:00 AM


  
• Location: UGS Howling Knight Bridge


  

  Going at Mach speeds over the northern hemisphere of Eden's atmosphere. UGS Howling Knight approached the research facility, codename Gilgamesh. Upon being dispatched by I.C.E. to escort the Returned Ghost, codename Tale. Sword and Shield were ordered to escort him to Doctor Hyle Schwarz for reevaluation, which they have no clue why.

  [Be advised. Gilgamesh Tower Control is requesting clearance for our approach.]

  ''Merci, hand our clearance over.'

  [Understood, commander, clearance sent to Gilgamesh Tower Control.]

  The A.I., Merci, responded while handing over their clearance, which had been granted by I.C.E., allowing them to pass and land at the research facility. Soon, a hail of snow harmlessly impacted the stealth ship, meaning they were entering the northern hemisphere of Eden.

  "This is Gilgamesh Tower Control. Clearance received, verifying...''

  ''...UGS Howling Knight, you are clear to land. Proceed to dock three for an immediate touchdown."

  [Understood, Gilgamesh Tower Control. Will proceed with caution.]

  ''Roger, Howling Knight, and welcome to Gilgamesh.''

  With their clearance approved, the stealth ship fired its afterburners and sped toward the research facility. It wasn't long before the facility came into view. Its presence was impossible to miss, as it was heavily fortified with marines and artillery emplacements.

  ''There she is, Ghosts...''

  ''...Bishop, you got visual?''

  ''Affirmative, commander, facility confirmed as Gilgamesh.''

  Bishop responded, garnering a birds-eye view of the research facility, but still. To call this a scientific establishment wouldn't be the word for the dark-skin Ghost. It was more of a bunker or an outpost rather than a facility. I.C.E. has spent a fortune and called in favors from the A.F.E. to protect this facility. The question was why Gilgamesh was deemed significant enough to warrant these defensive measures.

  ''Alright, listen up. I.C.E. doesn't want anyone to know of this, so it's best to keep your mouths shut. The sensitive nature of this research facility is in the same category as the research facility on Luna and Charon. No information leaks while we're in the base, understood?''

  West warned as he understood the importance of the mission at hand. Though questionable, he knew why this had to happen.

  ''Of course, sir!''

  ''Crystal, commander!''

  Bishop and Nomad responded in unison as they observed the facility in sight. The stealth ship soon entered Gilgamesh's area of responsibility, quickly detecting several pings on its radar—multi-role fighter drones. As the Howling Knight approached the docking facilities, the drones positioned themselves on either side of the stealth ship.

  ''Hey, Wave.''

  [Yes, Nomad?]

  ''Can you tell me what they're packing?''

  [Unfortunately, Nomad, I could only glean on the surface details of the defenses present at the research facility.]

  ''Eh, it's better than nothing.''

  The close-quarters specialist responded, clearly not disturbed that his partner couldn't gain any relevant information about the base. But that's just how it is. The facility is protected from any form of attack, conventional, nuclear, and cyber attacks. Any potential sabotage, assault, or force of entry would be met with firepower from the stationed troops and armor of the facility.

  [They have two companies of marines stationed here, supported by four armored squads, as well as field and anti-air lasers and missiles positioned throughout the facility.]

  ''Hmm, what about Ghosts? Do they have some present?''

  In one sentence alone, all eyes were on Wave. The innocent A.I. paused as he double-checked any possibilities that Ghost Operatives were present. There were none, thankfully, but that didn't mean new ones weren't being created in the process. Their commander mentioned that this facility was comparable to those on Luna and Charon. Which creates operatives from its facilities and trains them for I.C.E.'s needs and wants for assassination, counter-intelligence, and whatnot.

  [For the moment, no. I have not detected any Ghost Operatives on the facility.]

  Wave responded and gained a collective sigh from everyone on board. What truly sets this facility apart from the ones of Luna and Charon is that there aren't any of their brethren present, or at least they think so. Either way, Gilgamesh is not as important as those two, despite contributing significant tech or research that deemed them worth enough to receive a bustling defense.

  [Commander West, an urgent message from Doctor Hyle Schwarz.]

  The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

  ''Alright, let's hear it.''

  [Ahem, the doctor will meet us after we touchdown and personally guide us to his workplace along with the Ghost Operative, codename Tale, for reevaluation.]

  ''Alright, Ghosts. Looks like the doctor is eager to meet our escortee. So, let's not keep him waiting...''

  ''...Merci, Wave, Archer. The three of you hold the fort on Howling Knight and ensure nothing happens while we're gone.''

  West stated as the three A.I. appeared with their holographic avatars and nodded at the commander. Merci wore a Victorian-era dress paired with rectangular glasses. Beside her were Wave and Archer, who wore I.C.E.-issued suits in holographic form.

  [Understood, commander. Archer, Wave, and I will ensure nothing happens while you and the rest of S.&.S. are gone.]

  The motherly A.I. responded, displaying a genuine expression. Meanwhile, Archer and Wave signaled their agreement with their colleague by giving a thumbs-up.

  [We got this covered, sir!]

  [Much like Archer said, we got this.]

  The A.I.'s eager responded with a smile on their faces, well, at least for Wave and Archer. Merci always had a motherly look on her holographic face. Although it would make sense as she has seen numerous Ghost Operatives come and go fighting beside her partner, West. Throughout her service, she would become the team mom of Sword and Shield, always there when you need her to be.

  ''I know you all will...''

  ''...Nomad, Bishop, you'll guard Tale's flank while I lead. This is an escort mission, not recon, assassination, or observation work. So keep your weapons to yourselves and follow the doctor. Understood?''

  Hearing their commander, the specialists nodded in acknowledgment of their order. Responded in kind, they would verbally confirm their acknowledgment.

  ''Crystal, sir.''

  ''Of course, sir.''

  It didn't take long for the stealth ship to reach the designated docks of the facility. The escorting fighter drones had already flown away, potentially to proceed with another mission. This left the Howling Knight to engage with her hover pad thrusters to gracefully land before putting its gear down.

  [Nearing touchdown on dock three.]

  ''Set her down, Merci.''

  [Touching down in three...]

  [...Two, one...]

  [...Touchdown.]

  The impact of the touchdown sent vibration throughout the stealth ship as it touched the hard concrete before turning off its engines. UGS Howling Knight completed its official docking, and approaching the stealth ship was Doctor Hyle Schwarz, along with four marines by his side.

  

  
• Date: January 22, 2183


  
• Time: 9:15 AM


  
• Location: Gilgamesh Research Facility


  

  Approaching dock three, Doctor Hyle witnessed the procedure as the Stealth Ship Howling Knight touched down without any issue. His puffy parka protected his organic and non-organic parts from the cold. The cane he utilizes to stabilize his walk produces tapping noises on the concrete floor before he finally stops. His face was covered by a mask that made his breathing sound distorted and broken. Not only that. But his left arm and legs were cybernetic.

  [Doctor Hyle, UGS Howling Knight has docked successfully and is shutting down its main engines.]

  ''So it would seem...''

  ''...Mako prepare my equipment in my lab. If what I.C.E. sent me is anything like the one in the videos and recording, we should do all that we could in what little time ''he'' has given us.''

  [Certainly, doctor...]

  [...Shall I fetch Doctor Lilith as well?]

  ''No, knowing her. She's probably procrastinating with herself in her office. It's best to leave her alone and do some work before we leave for Earth.''

  [Understood.]

  Mako responded before she disappeared off the doctor's heads-up display on his mask. Subsequently, the doctor observed a ramp opening at the front hangar of the stealth ship. Stepping down on the ramp were four Ghost Operatives; three were obviously from Sword and Shield, while the last was codename Tale. As they approached, the escort arranged into an arrowhead formation, with Commander West presumably at the forefront.

  ''Doctor Hyle Schwarz.''

  ''Ah, Commander West of S.&.S. Welcome to Gilgamesh as I am currently in command of this research facility.''

  ''Acknowledged, doctor. Shall we move to your lab?''

  ''That we shall. Please, follow me.''

  ''We'll be right behind you, doctor.''

  Upon turning around, the marine escort mirrored his movement, guiding him toward the facility entrance. Sword and Shield, positioned behind, accompanied the procession, safeguarding the individual of significant importance, codename Tale. As they approached the door, they were greeted by four marines guarding the massive door of the facility.

  ''Doctor Hyle!''

  ''At ease, marines, and open the entryway.''

  ''Of course, doctor.''

  Following the doctor's orders, the marines activated a holo pad to access the entrance system, prompting the door to glide open seamlessly and expose the facility's interior. Numerous drones floated about, performing their tasks alongside several scientists. Although the number of scientific personnel was small, it might have been related to the arrival of the Kaynians.

  ''Ghosts, welcome to Gilgamesh proper; here we research and discover new ways psionics could be implemented in I.C.E.'s arsenal, or it was supposed to be.''

  He explained as his marine escort and the operatives accompanying the Returned Ghost. Passing several scientists engrossed in storing data and information related to psionics. Of course, one of the operatives, specifically Nomad, wanted to know why this was the case.

  ''What gives doc? All Ghost Operatives from the second, third, and fourth generations were already given psionic abilities, making us fifth gen?''

  ''And you have a point, Ghost Operative Nomad, but what I and my colleagues gave you was a technological imitation of Kaynian Psionics attached to your spines...''

  ''...What we're trying to achieve here is how to give psionic abilities when you are still in a tube as an embryo. Essentially nullifying and naturalizing the way operatives use and take advantage of psionics in any scenario.''

  The doctor responded with his voice still raspy and distorted. But he kept pace and moved into another section of the facility. S.&.S. immediately noticed that experimentation focused on psionic spine implants, with concurrent exploration of designs aimed at enhancing their capabilities even more.

  ''Essentially a sixth generation Ghost.''

  The dark-skinned Ghost Operative pointed out as he realized why this research facility was so heavily guarded. Although this facility did not produce Ghost Operatives, its work focused on creating a new generation of killing machines.

  ''In a way, Ghost Operative Bishop, yes. We are trying to create a new generation of Ghosts, but progress has been slow.''

  ''But that doesn't explain why this facility is almost vacant; has I.C.E. issued an order for all scientific personnel to leave?''

  ''Yes, the latest report regarding how Strike Group Yorktown engaged with a Kaynian Frigate this close to Eden made I.C.E. reconsider moving me and my team of scientists here on Gilgamesh to Earth.''

  The doctor answered, and the Ghosts couldn't help but squint at the doctor's response. I.C.E. was already evacuating scientific personnel off of Eden and sending them away. But they wondered why this research facility still had personnel on it. Then they figured that it probably boils down to one person, and that person was behind them.

  ''But there's another reason why some are still here.''

  West pointed out as he glanced at the operative behind him. The reason why the esteemed doctor was still here was all because of Tale.

  ''Of course, Commander West. That should be obvious by now. The Returned Ghost, codename Tale.''

  ''Hmm, thought so. I assume the quote ''long term deployment'' explanation for Tale's disappearance is all an excuse.''

  "Exactly, I.C.E. wants to be discreet until the Kaynian issue comes knocking at Eden's doorstep...''

  ''...When that happens, he rejoins your team, commander, and you do what you do best."

  It wasn't long until they arrived at their destination, Doctor Hyle's laboratory. The marines escorting the doctor dispersed and stood beside the entrance. Meanwhile, the doctor approached the holo pad attached to his lab and typed his access codes.

  [Welcome back, Doctor Hyle Schwarz.]

  A computer-generated voice responded as the entrance slid open, revealing the interior of his lab. Drones littered the place as the A.I. Mako did her best to prepare the doctor's lab. Several psionic spine implants were mounted on the wall, alongside a holographic copy of Shakespeare and a fully intact Kaynian Warlock on display.

  "Welcome to my lab, Ghosts. This is where private testing of psionic abilities takes place..."

  ''...What you see in front of you is my life's worth of research on Kaynian Psionics and how they utilized it during our First Contact War with them.''

  Doctor Hyle exclaimed as he caressed the body of the deceased alien with his cybernetic hand. Of course, the sight of the Kaynian would set off alarms within the mind of the Ghost Commander.

  ''You have a corpse of a Kaynian Warlock, doctor?''

  ''Indeed, commander...''

  ''...I know how you all feel about this, but if the U.G.E., the A.F.E., and the I.C.E. want an even footing against the Kaynians. Then we better start learning about them for that to happen.''

  The doctor stated, drawing Tale's attention in the process. Seeing how the U.G.E. had developed and added numerous technologies to its arsenal made him comfortable about what was about to come. Learning that his fellow Ghosts also had magic capabilities due to the implementation of psionic spine implants. For the first time, he felt relaxed, aware of the doctor's curiosity about his magic and eternal servant.

  ''Now, Ghost Operative Tale, are you ready to show us everything that happened to you?''

  As he approached the doctor, he gave a silent nod, recognizing the importance of the task ahead and the necessary reevaluation. Remaining quiet, the Hero of Eldrant finally spoke when required.

  ''Yes, doctor.''

  To Be Continued.