• Date: January 22, 2183


  
• Time: 3:35 PM


  
• Location: Doctor Hyle's Office


  

  [Apologies for the sudden change of plans, Doctor Hyle, but the situation demands it.]

  ''I.C.E. Agent Indigo...''

  ''...It has been quite some time since your supposed death.''

  [Certainly. My alleged death on the Martian surface while assisting Cloak and Dagger has remained a tightly guarded secret, eluding even the scrutiny of A.F.E. high command.]

  The A.I. replied, fixing a focused gaze on the doctor. Illuminated by light, her Humanoid Skin was displayed for Hyle to see. The secretive nature of this particular A.I. was due to her allegiance with the most elite Ghost Team, Cloak and Dagger. However, even they would meet their end during the last stages of the Invasion of Mars. Thus, her partner handed her to I.C.E. Hence why, she is alive, and her partner is not, but officially speaking, she supposedly died on the red planet. The reason for this was her achievement of being the first A.I. to decrypt Kaynian technology.

  "I only lament that I.C.E. could have afforded me additional time to complete my research, yet regrettably, that is not the situation."

  [We all share that sentiment, doctor. However, given the President's approval of Fleet Admiral Sasha Zveroboy's offensive, you are left with no alternative.]

  Agent Indigo responded as she saw the doctor nod at her. Shifting his focus to Sarroth's blade form, Doctor Hyle tapped his holographic table, saving crucial information vital for his research on psionics. Hyle comprehended that his requests for additional time would go unanswered. However, this didn't diminish the fact that he had gleaned more knowledge than he could have accumulated in his entire decade of research.

  ''Hmm, it may please your Director that the information I have gotten from Lady Sarroth has enlightened me about the potential application of psionics. His dream of a Sixth Generation Ghost Operatives will be within our reach, along with how to use the psionics of our enemy against them.''

  [Is that so?]

  ''I have never been more confident in saying that, given time, we could develop something to rival Kaynian psionics. The gap between us and our enemy is narrowing more than we could imagine.''

  The doctor stated as he granted access to his vault of information, theories, and blueprints for the sixth-generation Ghost Operatives. Suffice it to say, Indigo was impressed as she looked further into the data handed to her by the doctor. She began to see how important his research was and how it was a game changer.

  [It's regrettable that you cannot complete your research, doctor. However, as I mentioned, the Director has approved the Fleet Admiral's offensive.]

  ''I am aware. I was merely stating how important my research was and how we could change our chances of survival.''

  [And I understand. We all recognize the formidable might of the Kaynians, and there are suspicions that we are facing a fraction of their force. But thanks to you and the Returned Ghost, we may have a chance to preserve our right to exist in this harsh galaxy.]

  ''I know, agent, and for once in my life, I think we could change everything.''

  [Indeed, but at this moment, any change you bring about will be futile if everyone perishes.]

  The A.I. exclaimed, and she was right. Though Hyle wanted to deny her logic, she was right. Only he possesses the knowledge to usher in a new era for Earth and Her People. However, it would amount to nothing if everyone perished before it happened.

  [You will hand Sarroth to Ghost Operative Tale for an upcoming mission, and your team will evacuate Gilgamesh.]

  ''Understood.''

  [That will be all...]

  [...Agent Indigo out.]

  With that, the I.C.E. agent vacated the premises as her hologram vanished. This left Doctor Hyle isolated as he returned to his holo table to securely store the information on the quantum crystal drive for personal transport. Sarroth hummed as she saw the altercation between the I.C.E. agent and the doctor. Suffice it to say, she had never thought that her insight into magic would cause the doctor to act this way.

  {Hmm, the doctor seems disappointed because of this recent change.}

  She thought as she observed the doctor's body language change. Suddenly, the slide noise of the doors from the entrance revealed the Ghost Operative Tale. Upon seeing him, Doctor Hyle already understood the purpose of his visit – to retrieve his companion, Sarroth. The blade spirit would immediately transform into her avatar and greet her master with a smile. With the operative present to retrieve his companion, the doctor sighed through his mask, acknowledging his helplessness in altering the inevitable outcome.

  ''Doctor Hyle.''

  ''Ghost. I assume you're here to collect your companion?''

  ''Yes, doctor.''

  ''Very well, you may have her.''

  Hearing those words, Tale grasped Sarroth's avatar as it dematerialized before inserting herself into the Ghost's power armor. The blade spirit quickly nestled into her master's armor upon making contact.

  {My master, it is good to see you again!}

  ''Likewise...''

  ''...Was your conversation with the doctor fruitful?''

  {Indeed, I believe I succeeded in enlightening him about the possibilities of utilizing magic in various ways. His sorrow stems from the fact that he couldn't allocate more time to delve deeper into the study of magic.}

  ''I see.''

  Tale replied, and observing the surroundings, it becomes evident how Sarroth managed to enlighten Doctor Hyle. Holo pads are scattered throughout, accompanied by numerous quantum crystal drives containing audio logs. Never had the Returned Ghost seen something like this since Doctor Lilith, his figurative mother, when he was still newly made by I.C.E.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  ''Ghost, whatever mission you are participating in, it wouldn't change the fate of this planet.''

  ''How so, doctor?''

  ''Eden will fall, and it will fall. And when that happens, the extinction of Earth and Her People is all but certain. However, you have brought something that will change our fate. You have made me realize this is not our end, at least not yet...''

  ''...The knowledge I gained from your companion is impalpable. You brought us one thing that will change the outcome of this conflict we find ourselves in. A game changer beyond imagination.''

  Hyle stated as he gazed at the Ghost's helmet, appearing calm. The doctor was captivated by the potential applications of psionics in various fields.

  "Please, under any circumstances, refrain from exposing yourself to unnecessary danger, as you are the most valuable person in our current time. Do not act so brash.''

  ''Understood, sir.''

  The Ghost responded as he turned around and approached the door, sliding open before exiting. After the Returned Ghost departed, the doctor was left to his own devices, organizing his affairs to prepare for his journey to Earth.

  TALE: Arc Killer

  Leaving Doctor Hyle's office, the Returned Ghost continued to the docks where the Howling Knight was stationed. But before he could make his way toward the facility's main entrance, in front of him was Doctor Lilith Lie. The doctor stood still and crossed her arms, and by the looks of it, she must have been waiting for her.

  ''Hello, Ghost.''

  ''Doctor Lilith.''

  Tale responded as the doctor approached him. He began to wonder what warranted this moment to occur. Was the doctor perhaps displeased about the accident that he caused? Or was it due to him leaving so early?

  ''So, you're off to whatever mission I.C.E. has assigned you and Sword and Shield, huh?''

  ''Affirmative ma'am, the mission itself is cryptic, but it is something I.C.E. only wants selective individuals to know.''

  ''Uh huh, I got that...''

  ''...Tell me, Ghost, do you remember what happened on Luna ten years ago?''

  The doctor asked, and this caused Tale to remember what happened during his last mission with his mentor, Parka. Their objective was to evacuate key personnel on the military research base before setting off a thermonuclear device that would decimate the base along with the alien aggressors present.

  "My mentor and I were assigned to rescue you during the early stages of the Battle of Luna. With the war going poorly, I.C.E. immediately ordered an evacuation when the Kaynian Flotilla appeared..."

  "...The challenges we faced to reach you and your colleagues seemed impossible to overcome; currently, at that time. However, in the end, we succeeded. Though you were severely injured when we reached you."

  Tale vividly recalled where he had discovered his creator and her colleagues. His heart sank upon finding her buried beneath debris. A grim result of the bombardment that had torn through the military research base. However, it was also the first time he had felt a particular emotion that he would feel again on Eldrant.

  "However, seeing that you have recovered, even if you are acting strangely, I feel happy to see you again, creator."

  Hearing those words, Doctor Lilith smiled genuinely. After all this time, she had gotten her answer. Although incomplete, Lilith would take what was available. Now, she understood that Tale truly cared for her, quite the opposite of her feelings toward his brethren.

  'Well, at least he has changed since my past self left him with Parka.'

  Lilith thought as she approached the Returned Ghost, took a picture of her bosom, and presented it. Observing the photograph before him, Tale saw himself, Parka, and his creator.

  ''You may remember this picture, but I don't due to my amnesia...''

  ''...So you keep it.''

  Handing it over to Tale, the Ghost would accept the picture. Upon examining it, he comprehended the reason behind his figurative mother's peculiar behavior. She had lost her memories of him and Parka.

  ''I'm sorry, I- I didn't-''

  ''Stop right there, Ghost. There's no need to apologize. What matters is that you and Parka saved my life, even though it cost your mentor's life. I know you will do better now that you understand what happened to me...''

  ''...Now, you still have a mission to accomplish. Go and make me proud, son.''

  Doctor Lilith stated as she walked past her "son" and headed to her office, leaving Tale to contemplate the picture given to him. If he could cry, he would have, but his body suppressed the emotion.

  {Are you alright, master?}

  'Yes, I am. I'm just enlightened, that's all...'

  '...We better get going to the Howling Knight.'

  {Understood.}

  Continuing his trek, the Ghost would head toward the docks where the stealth ship was positioned. With emotions still boiling in his mind, Tale would have to ensure his capabilities wouldn't be affected as much. The recent disclosure left him unsettled about his life due to what his creator had revealed to him

  

  
• Date: January 22, 2183


  
• Time: 3:50 PM


  
• Location: UGS Howling Knight Bridge


  

  It didn't take Tale long to reach the stealth ship, Howling Knight, as he entered through the front portion where the ramp was present. Upon entering the stealth ship, the entrance immediately closed and sealed itself from the outside elements. With Sarroth on his armor, he began to approach the bridge. Meanwhile, Commander West of Sword and Shield sat on his chair, patiently awaiting for his partner to give him a report. He plans to promptly establish contact with the I.C.E. agents at Atlantis because of the secret nature of their mission. The aged operative preferred to reach the station sooner rather than later.

  [Commander West, Ghost Operative Tale has boarded the Howling Knight. Shall I initiate the launching sequence?]

  ''Affirmative, engaged the hover thrusters and have us in the air...''

  "...Instruct Tale to find a seat, as we won't delay the departure for him to reach the bridge."

  [Understood, commander.]

  Suddenly, the entire ship shook as the hover thrusters lifted the Howling Knight off the ground. The landing gears retracted into their compartments beneath the ship's hull. The Howling Knight then executed a one-eighty-degree turn, orienting itself in the direction from which it had come.

  [Fusion reactor operating at peak efficiency, and engines one and two are ready for afterburner thrust for launch...]

  [...Commander, all systems have been verified, and Ghost Operative Tale has been apprised of your directive. We are ready for launch.]

  ''Good, get us to Atlantis.''

  The commander declared as Bishop, and Nomad secured themselves in their seats. In the lower compartments before the bridge, Tale took a seat and securely fastened himself, aware that the commander had issued the launch order for the Howling Knight.

  [Very well, commander.]

  Merci responded as the afterburners of the stealth ship started to come to life. Seated securely on board, the Ghost awaited the forceful kick that typically accompanied a stealth ship's ascent into the atmosphere. The A.I.s worked their hardest to ensure the launch would go without issues as the Hollowing Knight roared its engines.

  [Initiating...]

  [...In three...]

  [...two, one...]

  [...Engaging main engines!]

  The hull of the stealth ship shook as it climbed rapidly out of Eden's atmosphere. A visible vapor trail marked the Howling Knight's ascent, observable to those on the planet's surface as it departed the breathable atmosphere of Eden and entered the exosphere. The shift in gravity was immediately the first thing the Ghosts noticed before the artificial gravity generators kicked in and canceled the zero g's of space.

  [We have finally escaped Eden's atmosphere and floating freely in space.]

  Getting their bearing back, the Ghost Operatives looked at the virtual screens around them and saw the pitch blackness of space.

  ''Merci, locate Atlantis and get us there.''

  [Understood, commander.]

  The A.I. then went to work and moved the ship toward the direction of the space station. It didn't take the Ghost long to discern the space station in their sensors, with Atlantis itself spanning a length of eleven kilometers. It was conspicuous, accompanied by various ships and H.E.L. cannon platforms strategically positioned to guard its surroundings.

  ''Commander, Atlantis is in visual range...''

  ''...There hailing us, sir.''

  ''Alright, Bishop, let's hear 'em.''

  ''Understood. Atlantis control, this is UGS Howling Knight. How do you copy?''

  Bishop communicated through the ship's comms, patiently awaiting a response from the space station to answer his response to their hail. Atlantis would respond as they established communication through the comms of the stealth ship.

  [This is Atlantis control, UGS Howling Knight. Please hand over your clearance for immediate security check.]

  ''Understood Atlantis control...''

  ''...Archer, if you could please hand over our clearance.''

  The dark-skinned Ghost requested as his partner, Archer, appeared over his terminal and performed his task.

  [Of course, Bishop, leave it to me.]

  The A.I. enthusiastically answered and went into handing over their clearance to allow them to pass and dock on the space station. After several seconds passed, Atlantis control would inform them of their docking area.

  [This is Atlantis control. Clearance received, verifying now...]

  [...UGS Howling Knight, you are clear for docking. Please proceed to dock six for an immediate dock sequence.]

  ''Understood, Atlantis control. Will proceed with caution.''

  [Roger, Howling Knight, and welcome to Atlantis.]

  With their clearance secured, the stealth ship advanced toward the space station using its afterburners. As the conversation between Bishop and Atlantis Control concluded, the sudden hiss of sliding doors at the bridge entrance signaled Tale's arrival. Stepping inside the bridge, his companion couldn't help but stare in awe at their destination.

  {Oh my! Is that one of the A.F.E.'s space stations?}

  'Affirmative, Sarroth. That one, in particular, is Atlantis...'

  '...A newer space station, compared to the ones I'm used to.'

  {Does that mean there are more of them?}

  Sarroth whispered to her master, having only caught a small glimpse of the A.F.E. Navy until now. However, everything changed as she beheld the vast fleet before her. The largest among them was the UGS Yorktown, an Essex-class battle carrier spanning two and a half kilometers, docked at the space station for minor repairs following the recent battle.

  'Hmm, if I remember correctly, this Atlantis is slightly smaller compared to the one on Earth's Solar System.'

  Tale stated, which perplexed the blade spirit a little. Realizing that there was something much larger than the one in front of her was surprising. But, of course, that should only be the case since her master's kin are capable of such feats of engineering. It didn't take long for the stealth ship to reach the designated dock of the space station. This left the Howling Knight to engage with her hover thrusters to gracefully land before putting its gear down. Merci prepared the necessary programs to perform the touchdown successfully.

  [Nearing touchdown on dock six.]

  ''Set her down, Merci.''

  [Of course, commander. Touching down in three...]

  [...Two, one...]

  [...Touchdown.]

  To Be Continued.