Futuristic Traumathir – When the Stars Withered

[Xethyrion]

PROLOGUE: THE LAST REVELATION

B E T A⠀D I V I S I O N⠀N O V A R I S

「BETA DIVISION NOVARIS, DAHLIA」

@TheLightBreeze Aelia Aeldyne Lekiel King Crimson lunar_moth darkborn

◉「KYBURIS RAIDRIAR」(CS) | LIEUTENANT COLONEL

The atmosphere remained cold and somber, the skies never-changing after the apocalyptic events of Armada Starlight. It was a tiring scenery for those whose lives were once precious, clenching onto hope as they fought the demonic creatures that invaded their homeland. But as time moved onward, despair took over for the worse, as the world failed to create solutions for their impending extinction. The combined military strength of Rugern remained futile for the longest time, its advanced weaponry failing to destroy the Angelium Pillars that were wreaking havoc across the globe. Its identity is left unknown even after the years of investigation, and its purpose and creator was impossible to understand. Its stationary existence was simply, intimidating.

Kyburis Raidriar, Lieutenant Colonel of the Arkfall Ironclad Armed Forces and an operator of the Armored Retribution Consortium. She was one of the few capable fighters that was able to lead an entire squad on her own, and pierce through the enemy line while successfully executing her mission with minimal casualties. As such, rising through the ranks was uncomplicated and straightforward, as long as you kept your head attached to your torso and watched for patterns in the Anomaly's mindless offense.

But her last mission was vastly different compared to the usual operations that she was given. A rescue operation that was conducted to save the stranded soldiers in Razidure, a city located in the southern parts of Dahlia. It was a simple operation on paper, but due to the level 2 miasma that lurked around the pathway, it became incredibly more difficult overtime as the Anomalies began attacking from multiple side, making it near impossible to rescue the stranded soldiers.

She was reluctant in continuing the operation, knowing that further going into the ruined city would involve casualties beyond what was simulated. The stranded soldiers wasn't worth her team's sacrifice, and such, she wasn't hesitant in making the choice of retreating from the area and returning to base. And if it wasn't for her superior's reluctant order to accept advance through the cities, the outcome of the operation would've been different, and the operation wouldn't have been a complete failure.

For how she would greet her former squad's families and apologize for her incompetence, was starting to trouble her into an unending vortex of guilt.

"Lt. Colonel, the Major is demanding for your attendance. It's related to your next assignment."

The soldier's monotonous voice abruptly woke Raidriar from her day dreaming, fixating her attention to the entrance door. She clicked her teeth, before giving her answer. "Understood. I'll make my way there in a few minutes, no need for you to escort me to the command room."

"I'm afraid it was an urgent directive, ma'am." The soldier stated without hesitance. "The Major's patience has been rather... unstable, recently. I'm sure you've heard of the Omega Division's broadcast about a new level Anomaly breaching into their heavy defense, plowing through multiple Kaiser Slayers. They've barely repaired the received damages and... well, there's no need for explanation of what'll happen in the future when the Pillars send out another wave. There's no question that our sector will be targeted next." he finished.

Raidriar bit her lips in annoyance and swiftly equipped her energy blade to her side. After a quick view around the room, she switched the lights off and took the lead, walking down the hallway towards the Major's residence. The soldier followed behind after a quick nod, remaining quiet until her commanding officer raised a question.

"Update me with the recent attack on Sangvis. Especially the Anomaly in question, and its capabilities."

"Of course. Unfortunately, the data we've received from Sangvis is only enough for us to roughly understand the potential of the threat. It was classified as level 7 Anomaly, its size and weight drastically lower than that of level 6 Anomalies. The creature is stated to be around 210 centimeters in height, and approximately 104 kilograms in weight, though these are mere guesses as the Anomaly was capable of abnormal speed. Its strength tore apart the Kaiser Slayer's defense, along with its energy barriers."

Raidriar abruptly continued her inquiries, "And the method they used to take it down for good?"

"That's the deviating question the Major asked when we received the report from Sangvis. Apparently, the Anomaly fled from the scene after causing calamity across the base. The other Anomalies that were involved with the invasion continued their carnage, which was successfully taken care of by the remaining forces of the Omega Division."

Raidriar pondered momentarily, taking the elevator to the floor in which the Major General of Novaris was residing in. It was a strange occurrence for sure, that an Anomaly retreated after wreaking chaos around its prey. They are usually known for their unconcerned bloodshed, giving their own meaningless life to kill hundreds before it is killed with a bullet to the head. They were oblivious to the idea of retreating, even if their numbers were significantly lower than their prey's. But that's how the monsters were, programmed to hunt and care not for survival.

However, it was possible that they were acquiring intelligence through evolution. It was speculated that a person's memories and their sentience are lost the moment their bodies began transforming, as those with slower transformation become ragdolls with a beating heart, their brain deteriorating at a rapid speed. The virus kills all sentient thoughts before the subject becomes a level 1 Anomaly, and through eating they are able to grow. But to think they were capable of intelligence after eating enough flesh, it was daunting for sure. But that would raise another question of exactly why they retreated instead of obtaining more strength through destroying the base entirely. To understand their reasoning, was it even possible?

"There seems to be a pattern with their evolution phase. A level 6 Anomaly is usually the same size of a Kaiser Slayer, is it not? And this newly found level 7 Anomaly is barely larger than an average individual, with terrifying strength and speed that can puncture through multiple mechs. It sounds like we're on our final stand, if the report is verified to be true."

The unnamed soldier nodded, "The Alpha Division already gave us an order to send reinforcements to Sangvis. The 3rd battalion was recently deployed to honor its decree, mainly to investigate and gather data regarding the level 7 Anomaly."

"Then my next mission won't involve going over to that side of the battlefield. What does the Major have in mind, exactly?"

"I'm afraid I wasn't told of any details." He shook his head, "But if I were to take a guess, perhaps it has something to do with our medical community's new discoveries."

Upon reaching the entrance gate to the command room, Raidriar turned around, saluting the soldier that accompanied her during the short expedition. "You're dismissed, Corporal. I should've asked for you to do this for me earlier, but if you wouldn't mind doing me a favor, in-case I'm ordered for another joyful excursion." Raidriar sighed and reached for her back pockets, taking out a stack of miniature envelopes before handing it to the soldier, who formed a perplexed look.

"And these are for...?"

"They're for the families of the former operators that were with me during my last rescue operation. I managed to bring one of them back alive, but the rest gave their life for the sake of others. I was going to hand these letters myself, as it's my burden to personally let them know and accept responsibilities. But something tells me that I won't have the time to do so."

After receiving an explanation, the soldier nodded and gave a slight smile. "Ah, right. I should've guessed that you were the type of person to do this yourself. Your wish is my command."

The two exchanged their final greeting before the soldier disappeared from the hallway, Raidriar sighing as she turned back around to face the entrance gate. She took her step forward after a moment of gathering her thoughts, the automated door system welcoming Raidriar after scanning her ID that was located on her chest, authorizing her into the room. Upon the gate's automatic lift, the Lieutenant Colonel was faced with multiple COs of both lower and higher rank, along with the leader of the Beta Division himself, Major Dalton.

The atmosphere of the room was tense and quiet, the officers welcoming her with recognition through brief eye contact. The Major remained idle in his chair for a solid minute, viewing the hologram table in front of him before raising his head, fiercely staring into Raidriar's eyes with pressure rising between the commanding officers. "I heard that Operation Snowpiercer was a complete failure, and you were the one leading the team that was supposed to rescue the stranded soldiers in Razidure city."

Raidriar didn't move a muscle, and kept her stoic expression. But deep inside, she felt a rising displeasure with the Major who looking to take no responsibility, but instead blame the commander who was deployed with the squad. tightly gripped her fists that were hidden behind the table in front of her, before responding to his statement.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Major. Your son was a brave soldier who didn't hesitate to save the stranded soldiers from harm, under better leadership, the operation would've been—"

"Your attendance is not related to my son, Lieutenant Colonel Raidriar." The Major interfered unexpectedly, surprising her. He continued afterwards with a sharp tone, "I'm aware of your efforts and splendid leadership over the group. Specialist Halcon was adamant in thoroughly explaining the events that had occurred in Operation Snowpiercer, wanting to protect you from blind criticism from the others. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done and your involvement with future operations will be voided. The Armored Retribution Consortium will be responsible for your future from here on out."

Raidriar conserved her stoic expression, knowing that it was for the best to keep her serene composure. She nodded, understanding the humble decisions made by the Major who wasn't acting out of enmity, as a way to shove blame for the death of his son. It was surprising for sure, as Raidriar prepared for that moment ever since she stepped foot inside Novaris with bloodied dog tags in her hands.

"However." The Major cleared his throat, attaining her attention. "Your skills and extraordinary competence on the field has been admirable. To waste your abilities on tedious matters such as security occupations would be damaging for the Arkfall Ironclad Armored Forces— or to put it simply, our survival. Everyone here has agreed upon the decision to protect your reputation and send you to Traumathir, to be a part of the Grand Marshal's personal vanguard squadron. As such, you'll be receiving your final mission on Novaris."

A male scientist of anonymity cleared his throat soon after, who wasn't formerly recognized by Raidriar during her debut into the command room. "Allow me to explain the situation on the Major's behalf. But first, wouldn't it be wise to introduce her to the other elected members of the squad? They've been waiting for your permission to enter since the Lieutenant Colonel's arrival."

The Major nodded and agreed, gesturing one of the COs to authorize the entrance gate. Raidriar turned around and faced the gate in which her new teammates would be introduced, slightly uncomfortable to have her squad replaced by another batch of operators. But to be this urgent and forming a squad ahead of time, alerted her for the worse. Whatever the mission was, it was clear that they weren't just interested in giving her a chance of serving directly under the Grand Marshal, who controlled the military force in Dahlia.

As the gate opened, Raidriar loosened her grip and glanced over to her new squad, preparing for their formal introduction.

 

[Lekiel]

iRA scans indicate that the subject suffered from severe blunt force and penetrative trauma on multiple locations throughout the body. . . both cerebral hemisphere’s indicate major hemorrhaging. . . loss of gray matter. . .Amiela. . . Further scans indicate a systemic multiple organ failure had occurred for. . . length of time. . . kidney and liver functions currently suboptimal. . . Specialist Amiela. . . by all accounts, the patient shouldn’t even be alive, let alone breathing. . . traces of necrotic tissue has been detected on all major organs. . . nonetheless, a clear sign of stem cell aggregation has been detected..-

“Specialist Amiela.”

She jerked awake, breath ragged and bleary eyes blinking in an effort to make out the shadowed and darkened walls that surrounded her. The whispers of an echoing dream quickly fading into the vestiges of her mind. Through the gaps of the curtained panel windows, shafts of soft sunlight streaked down to partially illuminate the figure lying comatose on the soft bedding before her. The steady beep of various life-support units and machinations the only indication that the figure yet lived.

Tess. . .

The Lucerian gently squeezed the cold hands of her sister as she gathered herself to her feet, stretching out her stiff joints from a night of bad sleeping posture.

“It is time.” The voice that had roused her sounded again. Abrupt but not unkind.

Finally turning to regard the dark-haired Esguine standing by the open door of the military hospital room, Amiela nodded her gratitude for her comrade’s understanding.

“Thank you- I’ll be right out.” Her alto voice was soft but clear, like a warm breeze at the start of autumn from a time most of the world must’ve forgotten.

The Lucerian gathered her belongings before bidding her sister farewell with a lingering kiss to the forehead.

When Amiela appeared by the doorway ready to head for the briefing, her silver eyes glistened. Though not a tear was shed, her heart wept. Not in despair, but for the fact that somehow she had a feeling Tersola would one day wake only to find that she was all alone.

⚘ ⚘ ⚘​

The doors of the command centre hissed open emitting the white-haired Lucerian. She wasn’t the only one waiting to be admitted. Nonetheless, as was the norm for her, Amiela kept to herself.

She stepped into the centre and with practised subtlety, her eyes roved over the room, taking in the various CO’s and officers that stood at attention or were attending to their various duties. Two, in particular, stood out to Amiela. The man of the hour himself, Major General Dalton and a striking figure in the form of a dark-haired Esguine woman.

Lt. Colonel Kyburis Raidriar. The flop of Snowpiercer. Or at least that was the word she’d heard on enough occasions on the ground. In truth, Amiela did not care one way or another. She’d served with the Armored Retribution Consortium long enough to know that humanity fought a losing war. Failure, to the Lucerian, was inevitable. Afterall, she was a survivor of complete disaster.

“Specialist Amiela Aeterna reporting for duty.” She saluted in the same soft voice, though this time it held a firmer tone given the formal circumstances.

 

[Aelia Aeldyne]

I'd had a song stuck in my brain for the last few days. A poem, rather. Something about a guy getting a leg cut off and managing to stand again anyway. Rather inspirational, all things considered. I would not usually be one for poetry, but this one had stuck with me for some reason. Choices, wasn't it... It did not matter whether I was sent to die, it didn't matter that I was at the end of my rope anyway, it did not matter that I had nothing left behind but memories seldom fond and old war wounds. All that mattered is that in the end, from the beginning until now, I was there because I'd chosen to be. Self-determinism, huh. Oh, I hated dramatic irony. Why was it that that was what struck a chord in the old tattered bitch that I was, really... Not to complain, though. It was a harsh thing, but beautiful.

And so I went, humming a tune as the verses unfolded in my mind, treading ever lightly towards the command center. My spine was tickling me; consequence of the implant, I thought. Not that it was bothersome or anything, it just felt weird to be conscious of my own medulla. If somehow we arrived at Traumathir in one piece, I swore I'd take a full week to unplug it from my back - and to hell my legs, I wouldn't need them to sit at a bench - and study it in depth. That kind of prosthetic was more advanced than what was available in my youth, even in the corpo circles.

Out of the night that covers me
Black as the pit from pole to pole
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul

I'd chosen to go in geared up. Not extremely so, but the bare necessary to look professional. Thus it was grey body armor with a black bodysuit, the whole covered by a grey-black hooded cloak. I'd not put on the hood, though. I'd do so only in open field. But here behind the lines, head out and visible. The rest of my equipment was in a big black duffle slung over my shoulder, which was rather conspicuous, I had to admit. But then its purpose was not to be stealthy, not right now. Not in the middle of the day. I was approaching, closing in on the courtyard's gate. The guard hailed me as I passed, and I stopped to look at him.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody but unbowed

Tall, muscular man - of course - in uniform, with a sleek rifle in hand. Dark red hair, animalistic features, vertical pupils. Lucerian, huh. And... That face wasn't completely unknown to me. Where had I seen it... Anyway, the guy was standing in my way with an air of meaning business and the kind of glint in his eyes that I had done something personal to piss him off. Joy. He'd be as obstructive as legally possible and then some. I sighed, letting out a puff of white smoke as the cigarette I had hanging between my teeth briefly lit up.



"Yes ?"

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade

He scowled at me, visibly unamused by my deadpanning.

"Gimme your name and your purpose here"

Ah, purposely forgetting politeness for pettiness' sake. Lovely. Furthermore, he already knew both of the things he was asking me. Bah, I'd not give him the satisfaction to comply.

"Major Brockson, I've come for sightseeing and to have a cocktail at the garrison's bar."

Something like a mean smile crawled on his lips, and he lowered his head to talk to me in the eye. Low, growling voice. Not friendly.

"You think you're funny, bitch ? Don't you try and be a smartass with me, fucker. You're what, fifty pounds soaking wet ? I can take you on. I'll break you like a fucking twig. Now tell me your name and why you're here, bastard."

And just like that it fell together. "I can take you on", he said. I knew where I'd heard that. At home, when the military had come a-knock-knock and went back with dead guys to carry and bury. I'd killed one of them myself. Tall guy, dark red hair, told me he could take me on. I'd double-tapped him for his troubles.

"You can take me on, huh ? Why don't you ask your brother how that went for him. Oh wait. You can't. He's dead. Might be that I killed him, in fact. You really wanna play that game ?"

I dropped my cigarette, smothering it with my heel, then went around him and walked away towards the command building before his brain caught up to what I said.

And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid

'Twas all clean and perfect inside. Ugh. I'd forgotten how commanders were. Soldiers as it went, couldn't live if they weren't boxed up between four walls of solid metal; but they were also the kind of pricks who'd want to be surrounded by shiny ass chrome and fancy useless furniture they only used for posturing when newspeople came. Wasn't much different here apparently. That boded well. Maybe. Eh. Didn't mean anything really. Just... Ah, memories flashed by quickly. Always did. I didn't like places like that. I didn't really like authority as a whole, especially on me.

And for some reason I'd become a soldier. Truly I was a being of infinite wisdom.

I finally reached the room where I was due to meet the other members of this squad, and the commander. Kyburis Raidriar, I'd been told she was called. Name didn't ring anything, but apparently she was a Lt. Col. so she might've done something right. The door flashed open and I stepped in. I blinked. There were two people here. Two kids, rather. Stars and stones, they looked so young... I'd bet a kidney neither of them was in her thirties yet. I composed myself, before speaking out. Wouldn't do to make a bad first impression.

It matters not how strait the gate
How charged with punishments the scroll

"Wraith, reporting for duty."

I am the mistress of my fate
I am the captain of my soul.

 

[lunar_moth]

Lusa wakes in his bunk in the military barracks.

It takes a short moment or two of sleep-bleary blinking before his brain catches up with his body. But when it does, he shoots bolt-upright with a curse muffled under his breath, crinkled papers flying off their resting place of his face. He must've passed out while sitting on the edge of his bed, report papers still in hand. Urgh, how childish of him. It's not like late nights are anything new at this point -- he should be able to handle it without needing a- what, ten-minute nap in his bunk before his requested audience with the Major General? Lusa scoffs. How embarassing.

Lusa scrubs a hand over his face as he makes quick work of recollecting his papers, trying (and failing) to smooth out the creases with his hands, and hiding them under the shade of his mattress. A quick dust-down over his uniform with his palms, backcomb a hand through his hair-- it'll have to do. Lusa frowns at himself and his lack of discipline. Really, he'd have expected better of himself than to let another late night of reading get to him like that.

He's about to turn and race out the barracks and not stop 'till he reaches the command centre, where he's supposed to be in circa-ten-minutes at this point (ten minutes?! -- Lusa double checks the wristwatch tucked under his cuff -- shit! It's almost a ten minute walk just to get there!),

...but a forlorn glance back at the crumpled stack of files under his concrete-esque mattress gives him pause, and with an agitated grumble at himself, he swoops down to grab them and shove the folded pages inside his hidden breast pocket. He can't just leave them! What if somebody else comes in and- and steals them, or something? He worked hard to get these -- they're not like the kinds of anomaly reports released to the public. No, these are the kind he had to... ah... pull a few strings, say a few words for, in essence. (Being on his old squadron leader's good side due to good work ethic didn't hurt either.) It'd be impossible to get his hands on something like this again, and right now, not having them is not an option. If Lusa ever hopes to do anything with his life, he needs all the information about the anomalites he can get. Even if the vivid descriptions from shell-shocked soldiers who watched their teammates burst in their own flesh sends chills through his spine every time at the idea of losing himself like that too. No, misplacing them won't do.

Finally, finally, Lusa straightens and makes his way to the command centre like he was ordered to by an unnamed earlier that morning. And if anyone sees him running down the hallways with only circa-two-minutes to spare, well, no they don't.

...

He reaches the target area just on time, and thank god for that, because it looks like a few other people have arrived before him already. Lusa enters the chamber with soft footsteps and the kssht of the door sliding behind him, falling into a salute to the Major General. Dalton, was his name, Lusa recalls.

His eyes rove over the faces of the other soldiers -- he can't say he recognizes them. Except...

Ah!

Lieutenant Colonel Kyburis Raidriar. Oh, Lusa's heard about her. Word travels fast amongst the people, if you know when to listen.

He gives her a short glance out of the corner of his eye. Frowns a bit. She's... Lusa doesn't know what to think. Without the full story from the Lt. Colonel herself, there's nowhere really for his verdict to land. Surely someone as seasoned as her wouldn't've made such a mistake if she had any other choice? But this also isn't the kind of operation one can afford mistakes with, either, and out of anyone, she'd know that.

Lusa gives a quick shake of his head to halt that train of thought. He can mull over it more later. Right now he has new concerns. He levels a glance at the three women -- Lucerian, Esguine, Esguine. Each carrying herself with a certain prescence. Are they all being assigned a mission together?

He flits his gaze back to the Major General. First things first...

"Lusa Alweil. At your service."

 

[King Crimson]

Ur-Bracka Hlodyn​

The Fourth Loading Port of the Dahlia Beta Division was awash with activity, the air permeated with the rich scents of burning machinery fuel, the percussive clatter of cargo, ranging from as small and meager as a shoebox, to as massive, and foreboding as a military personnel vehicle, being put into their place, and the frantic cries of men as they buzzed about the bay like millions of drones in a swarm.
Though few would call their work 'glamourous,' in comparison to those who risked their lives to protect mankind from the ever-present, and ever-encroaching threat of the miasma, theirs's was no less important.
"Alright! And on three! Two! One!" with one final grunt of exertion, one such worker lifted his crate, filled with a number of large, silvery silos, the words 'Standard-Issue Armored Retribution Consortorium Inciburator.' engraved in a thick, simple font upon their chassis, depositing it with a noisy clamor into a large bed of steel, connected to a remote-control trolley, which would soon carry the life-saving devices away to their destination.
Stretching his complaining spine backwards, eliciting a staccato of popping bones, the portly Esguine, lets out a prostrated sigh of relief.
"Phew! They're gonna kill me, forcin' me t' lift all these Incibs!" he glibly complains, leaning his weary body upon the machine.
So intoxicated with his momentary respite, he hardly noticed the increasingly loud thudding of heavy footsteps coming towards him, or the massive shadow that soon fell over his body, until he opened his eyes, and saw those menacing, golden eyes boring down at him.
"Ah! Ur-Bracka! There y'are!" the worker happily exclaimed, shooting a beaming smile to the unfriendly-looking, mountain of a woman before him, one of her thick, chiseled arms coiled around a similar crate of inciburators, which sat atop her shoulder, while the other held one beneath her arm, and yet another crate clenched firmly in her grasp.
"You can go 'head n' drop those off right here! Thanks again for helpin' me lift 'em!" he explains, quickly scrambling out of the way.
"Da. Is no problem. Easy-peasy, yeah?" Ur-Bracka flatly responds, dropping the crate nestled upon her shoulder down with frightening ease.
"You're forcing Agent Skogul to do your work for you again?" sighed the port overseer, a slender, Lucerian youth, with tablet in hand, and a sharp, pointed glare on his features.
His stylus never stopped dancing across the glowing screen, constantly filling out multitudes of forms, or calculating intricate logarithms even as his attention was diverted to scolding his older, heavy-set subordinate.
"Really, Donner, you know this cargo is for her upcoming deployment, right? What are you going to do when she's gone?"
"Donner did not force me." Ur-Bracka sternly retorted, another boom resonating within the port as she dropped another tree trunk-sized silo into the loading dock.
"He ask, I accept. No problem."
"Haha! What she said!" Donner laughed, his jovial mood unfazed by his dressing down at the hands of his superior.
With another hearty laugh, he added, "It's not like I could force her to do anything she didn't want, lass would prolly break me in half if I tried! And 'sides, Blitzen, y'know she'll be fine! Ain't nothin' worth worryin' over!"
"I wouldn't be so sure..." the overseer bitterly replied, his head shoved back in his tablet, it's faint glow illuminating the creases in his forehead formed from his knitting brows.
"They say she's going to be deployed with The Flop of Snowpiercer."
That pierced through Donner's good mood, twisting his usual, jovial grin into a pained grimace.
"You mean Raidriar!? But she just got back!" He explained, before adding in with a heavy sigh of his own,
"God's sake, poor lass just can't catch a break..."
"Raidriar? She no good?" Ur-Bracka piped up, dropping the last of her load down on the deck.
Raidriar...
She'd heard the name before, though she could scarcely recall where, some distant childhood memory that seemed to drift further away the more she tried to remember.
"Well...we can't really say for certain...Word is that most of her old unit died in battle." Donner answered, running a calloused hand through his greasy scalp in thought.
"...Including the major's son, which I wouldn't doubt is one of the reasons for the sudden redeployment...Can't stand the sight of her, I'd wager." Blitzen gravely added, before snapping his tablet shut with a sharp click, his work finally finished.
"But that is not of your immediate concern, Agent Skogul. What is however..."
Leveling his stylus at the woman like a pointed sword, he commands, "...is that you're going to be late for your debriefing! Dismissed!"
Once she'd recovered from the overseer's sudden change in tone, Ur-Bracka let slip a small, jovial smirk of her own, responding to the order with a solemn nod of her head, and a casual salute, before she turns on her heel, taking towards the exit with a hurried pace.
"Yes sir...and I shall be coming back soon." she shouts over her shoulder, giving the pair a reassuring flex of her arm before she disappears from their sight.
---
The thudding of her heavy, quickened footsteps echoed around the corridor, penetrating the walls of the command room as the Serraline grew closer, until eventually, the door hissed open, revealing her to the gathered party in the command room.
Nearly having to duck down to avoid hitting her head or catching her horns on the door's narrow frame, Ur-Bracka entered.
"Vanguard, Agent Skogul, reporting." she declared, her voice thick and heavy with her native accent, as she brought her powerful fist to her chest in salutation to the vaunted major.

 

[darkborn]

Caiaphas Orea
Location: Beta Division Novaris
A figure, disheveled and hastily putting on a cloak trotted through the buildings that made up the Dahlia Beta Division, with a floating object following behind it. Occasionally, others close to the person gave a surprised look in their his general direction, but eventually returned to their duties. Of course, Caiaphas - Kai (Or Cai, depending on how you wanted to spell it.) as some may know him- paid no attention to it. Well, more like he didn't notice it; Kai was busy chatting away to the drone following behind him, as well as in a rush to, well...​

"So, it looks like that the unagitated Vauperite CAN be ground into powder, which is nice to know. Now, what's the next step, Fae?" At a couple of beeps from the AI, Kai raised a finger. "Oh, right. right. Figure out a way to apply said powder onto armor. We can't use conventional heating to fuse the powder to the armor, because then that would dissipate the frozen buffer...." While speaking, Kai turned a right to head down a street, until Fae's beeping stopped him.

"Idiot! Wrong way to the meeting!"

At that, Kai abruptly stopped and turned to face Eve, his head tilting slightly. "You sure? I thought that the general was located near the agricultural district?" At Fae's silence, Kai raised his hands. "Alright, alright! ...I don't know where it is." Fae's responding click sounded suspiciously like a snort... Kai just sighed. "Can you give me directions, then?" Fae's chittering responded back, and a map inlay appeared on his vision. "Not that way! The color is messing up with my sight! Just lead me." Fae let loose an indignant beep, and zoomed off. Kai took a moment to stare at the retreating AI, wondering if all the conversations with Fae were just him talking to himself. He decided he didn't want to know, shook his head, and started along the new path Fae was leading him on.

All along the way, Kai took the time to look around. The sketches of people walking around always endlessly fascinated him; he suppose he should consider himself lucky that he could see again, even if was just a weird black and white sketched version. But the way people moved about and did their lives always interested him. Why move the crates that way, by hand, when there was a truck and a crane that could do the job? Why have a mess hall there, when it would be easier for people working to have it down a little bit, closer to workplaces? Why- ooh, was that BLT? But before Kai could swoop in to have some of the delicious food, Fae swooped in to angrily shove him along. Kai rolled his eyes, but acquiesced.

Further along, there was a little group gathered in front of the engine of a vehicle; they seemed to be having trouble doing... something. Kai was able to catch snatches of their conversation, and it sounded like they were arguing over a vehicle breaking down unexpectedly- wires, apparently. Kai turned his head to face Fae, and said, "Hold up for a moment, will you? I've gotta do something."

Fae clicked response was rather terse: "Hurry up! We're late enough as it is already!"

The young man just grinned and sauntered off to the group, causing them to jump unexpectedly when he interrupted their discussion. "Heyo there! Mind if I took a look at the wires?" The four workers- one female and one male Lucerian, and two male Esguines- looked at each other, before the male Lucerian piped up.

"Uh, you a mechanic?"

To which Kai looked back at the Lucerian and grinned. The four took a step back; Kai's smiles did tend to look a little bit... maniacal. "I wouldn't be offering to help if I didn't know how to."

The Lucerian stammered a bit, before hesitantly handing him an electrical tester. Kai nodded in appreciation, before setting it down, picking up a set of wires, and... sniffing it? The four looked at each other again, before Kai quickly reached out a hand and requested wire cutters. The male Lucerian blinked, before giving him the requested tool. Two cuts later, and a section of wire was out. Then Kai picked up the electrical sensor, and pried open the back. Before the others could ask him what he was doing, he used the wire cutters to cut out a section, tossing away the electrical sensor and wire cutters, and pulling out his energy capacitator. A few seconds later, and the wires were welded with the rest of the vehicle's wires; and another moment, and Kai started up the vehicle. "There we go!" Kai's maniac smile caused the Lucerian male to give the triumphant man a hesitant smile of his own. Fae's clicks made her presence known, and Kai looked back in surprise. "Oh, I have to go! Make sure not to break the vehicle again, please!" The man's abrupt departure left the group blinking, before the female Lucerian timidly asked, "How.. did he see the wires?"

Kai continued along with that trademark maniac smile on his face. He was almost to his destination, when something caught his eye. A medical post.

"Kai, why is it hard to breathe?"

"Don't worry, Kiddo. I'll get you fixed soon enough!"

Kai's smile disappeared. He turned on his heels and practically ran away from the hospital. Running was all he could do, after all... He overtook Fae, quickly calling to her, "Hurry up! Aren't we late?" Fae grumbled, and zipped along faster, leading him to his destination. When they finally arrived at the elevator, Kai took a moment to take a breather, brushing his mantle from the more grievous wrinkles, and entered, the maniac smile on his face forced. Hopefully the briefing would be underway when he arrived.

 

[Xethyrion]

Raidriar surveyed the new faces with a quick glance, studying their appearance before analyzing their physical capabilities for any noticeable disadvantages. So far, her eyes did not lie that her brand new batch of agents seemed skilled and professional, though it was difficult to claim that outright without observing their skills on the field. How she wondered, if they'd have enough time to introduce themselves before the inception. Their faces reminding her of her deceased teammates, even though they shared no familiar similarities.

“Specialist Amiela Aeterna reporting for duty."

The first one to have caught Raidriar's vision was the one who presented herself as Amiela Aeterna, a name that was definitely in her field of memories. To say that she had met this individual in person, would be a lie as this was their first encounter in the flesh. But her background as one of the remaining survivors of Somnias Heavy Industries wasn't an insipid development for Novaris, as it was well known by the ARC higher ups that Somnias was a corporation of soulless morals and believers of dealing in absolutes. It wasn't to say that their involvement with Black Technology didn't aid with their current survivor, but everyone knew how despicable it was for them to test their theories and armaments on mere underdeveloped children.

Raidriar felt despair and misery when she first locked eyes with Amiela. It wasn't that Raidriar knew well of being a product of a corporation's experiments, but it must've been difficult for her to accept her fate and fight for the very people that had done nothing to save her. The Armored Retribution Consortium were no heroes of justice, the private military company was no more than a star employee of the main armed forces in Dahlia, and saving the innocent whose dice had already been rolled was never on their moral list.

After a quick nod, she brushed her gaze onto the other operators.

"Wraith, reporting for duty."

Angyra Verjavest, another familiar name with no direct involvement with Raidriar herself. Her name was simply a wind that had passed by during one of her conversations with the officers. She was an excellent operator from what Raidriar knew from the databook, a grade above the rest when it came to her skills as an executioner due to her countless years of field experience. It was difficult not to respect Agent Wraith, and perhaps during this new operation, she could learn a thing or two from the individual. Hopefully, they'd get along — though she looked rather... unfriendly.

"Lusa Alweil. At your service."

His silver-white hair was the first to have caught her attention before recognizing that this person was an Esguine, much like herself. And as such, silver hair was one of the rarest amongst the races in Rugern, though that was no more than a small trivia. Raidriar had never heard of this operator's name or agent code, somehow a bit refreshing. He seemed like a trustworthy individual with a heart that goes to saving the weak, though that could be said with everyone that was currently in the command room, from the Major to the lowest ranking soldier in the room, whoever that was. Either way, from his appearance alone, Raidriar had no issues with this operator — for now.

"Vanguard, Agent Skogul, reporting."

A Serraline's scent is simple to detect, as it is to differentiate them with any other races on the planet. It was exceptionally rare for Dahlia to possess them as they were more prominent in the Sultari Confederacy, a nation that reigned supreme in power in the western parts of the world. This was her first mission working with a Serraline, and like the previous individual who looked promising, Agent Skogul was no exception. From her heavy armor and type of body, it would be difficult to class her as anything but a vanguard, more specifically a tank more so than a knight.

But the name 'Skogul' definitely rung a bell. If she remembered correctly, one of her former squad member spoke about someone who was a star amongst the ARC for their passionate assistance? And the name that they have associated with such a person was... a name that she couldn't remember for dear life. Raidriar shook her head and nodded at Skogul nonetheless, having the feeling that she was the exact person that her former teammate spoke of in devotion.

It wouldn't take long for Raidriar to remember that he mentioned that he had a secret crush on her.

"Oh, that's right. Ur-Bracka Hlódyn, a name of exceptionally difficult pronunciation. I should ask her for the correct accent later when I have the chance." Raidriar thought to herself, internally chuckling at the thought of her former teammate going on and on about his new crush.

The last one to have made an introduction was someone that Raidriar had known in the past, though like the others, their field of profession was broadly distinctive. She had to hand it to them, their brilliance and cleverness as a caster was something that would've been difficult to achieve, though it was probably involuntary. Either way, Raidriar had no problem welcoming him to the team, even if he introduced himself as someone who seemed to have no empirical combat prowess, having tons of light in his eyes compared to the other operations who would kill to have their past memories erased, from either shock or depression. Of course, not all operators were depressed individuals with problems that could very well lead them to intentional suicide in battle. But for some reason, she felt no such despair from this agent. Was that a good sign, or a harbinger of a troublemaker who would lead the team to distress? Only time could tell.

There was a total of five operators that was presented in front of Raidriar, each with their own unique class. Two vanguards, one executioner, one caster, and one support. After their brief introduction and a fellow nod, Raidriar turned back to the Major and the scientist, "Alright, team capacity preparation seems to be complete. If you'd give us a thorough explanation of the mission, that'd be appreciated."

"It is a, honor to be speaking with the heroes of our time, truly, I am grateful to be here to be of help to the path of saving the world for the better. Though... perhaps that was an exaggeration, this is merely the first step, or so I believe if the future imitates our plan to bring salvation to the world. Anyway, that's enough small talk. I'll get to the point immediately." The scientist cleared his throat, tapping on the hologram table afterwards. After the quick preparation, a colored image could be seen from above the table.

The hologram perfectly mimicked an image of what seems to be a specially designed syringe, with the following label 'Elpis XV Serum' hovering next to the item.

"A magnificent creation by our military base's extraordinary medical team, we like to call this the Elpis XV Serum, or just 'Elpis' if you'd prefer something shorter. This serum is the foundation of years of hard work put into a single glass capsule, capable of stopping the mythically-powerful virus that lurks within the dark miasma near the Angelium Pillars. It's capable of neutralizing the stage 1 miasma with ease, though it has been rather... challenging to bolster the vaccine for it to be effective against stage 2 and 3. But there seems to be a 60/40 chance for one to develop the necessary antibodies to prevent one self from being infected by the stage 2 miasma, once the person is injected by the vaccine.

"It's still a work in development, but we're getting closer than ever. We've already let the Alpha Division know about our discoveries, and they seem to be very interested of our invention. Your mission is nothing catastrophic, simply deliver the parcel to Traumathir and help the Alpha Division spread this news to the other countries, and that'll be the start of our newfound hope."

The scientist then took out a small case from his pockets, opening the complex lock to present the physical vaccine that was shown as a hologram. "It has already been tested and proven to be effective. We advise that you have these injected in your bloodstreams before your brave departure, as it will help you on your journey by rendering the miasma useless. Though, we'd still advise the use of tactical respirators for safety measures. Not everyone is able to produce the same nutrients and antibodies required to stop this foreign virus."

"I'll take it from here, doctor." Major Dalton cleared his throat, "Traumathir is approximately 500 kilometers in distance with Novaris, this will be no simple operation. As you all know, flight is an improbable gamble that we're not willing to take, due to the ranged anomalies' anti-air capabilities. There is no choice but to send a batch of skilled operators to deliver the parcel on foot, as much as I'd hate to send my soldiers to the no man's land. But we have no choice. Traumathir had already confirmed that the other nations have begun demanding for the physical vaccine, and the Sultari Confederacy has offered to exchange Kaiser Slayers for our efforts. Considering that there are no anomalies in the sea, Traumathir is the only way for us to send the serum to Sultari, and that'll help us survive a little longer until we find a solution to the Angelium Pillars."

The Major excused himself from his seat and helped himself to the nearest table, with his feeble body failing to respond to his movement without the help of his assistances. Raidriar knew that he wasn't going to last long enough to see the end of this war, but respected him nonetheless as the crutch that helped Novaris find stability in these troubling times.

He would then take a pile of documents that were on the table, reaching to his pair of glasses on his shoulder pocket before equipping them to read the documents thoroughly, before handing them to Raidriar with his own two hands. "These are your operators and their documented achievements. We've managed to gathered the best for this operation, but I am not interested in the opinions of those who judge character from their pretentious throne. You'll be the one to decide if this team is right for your final mission. I trust in your instinct as my son would've had, who never spoke lightly of you."

Flattered and surprised, Raidriar couldn't find the right words to respond back the moment Major Dalton's last words left his mouth. However, she knew better than to remain exalted and celebrate being praised by the Major himself, as this was crucial matter for Dahlia, if not the entire world.

"I'm humbled that you have such deep trust in my potential, Major. I'll see it through until I bring prominence to Novaris, you have my word."

"You leave in 48 hours, make your preparations quick. The base will provide you with any equipment you'll need for the long journey. If you have any questions regarding the operation, ask them now." The Major spoke, this time for everyone to acknowledge.

With that said, Raidriar turned to face her new squad, saluting and following it with a formal debut. "My name is Kyburis Raidriar, Lieutenant Colonel of the Arkfall Ironclad Armed Forces and the commander for the Novaris Beta Division's ARC forces. I'm sure you've heard of me by now, whether it be negative or positive... I hope to speak with all of you about your abilities until our official departure."

 

[Lekiel]

Nightjar observed as the briefing immediately went underway as presumably the last of their group made himself present at precisely 39 seconds past the appointed time. His rather tardy entry was accompanied by a slight pursing of the Lucerian's ruby lips, though it wasn't apparent whether she was reacting negatively to the sloppiness of just displaying one of her many idiosyncrasies. Whatever the case, one of the research fellows stood forward and began the meeting in the absence of any disciplinary recrimination.

The operator stood completely still, features inscrutably blank without any indication of agreement or confusion in relation to what was being spoken. So still that she might as well have been one of the many furniture that adorned the command centre, for no movement was detected except for the languid flutter of titanium white locks, caught in the barely perceptible draft of the air-conditioning. Nonetheless, a careful observer would notice the Lucerian's eyes surreptitiously appraising all the gathered associates; those of her named group to be precise. A semi-transparent azure survey eyeglass had been fixed over her right eye. General diagnostics and assessments about her new comrades flickering over the little HUD as her eyes methodically scanned over them and gathering physical information. At least what could be easily evaluated on the surface: height, physical racial attributes, estimated weight, bone framing and so forth. Information which was fed and stored on the Nightjar's implanted OMNi chip which would be useful to calibrate her OCF field medic treatments and syphon entropy spell.

Major Dalton followed soon after the scientist ended his brief and Amiela found herself wondering at the details of their assignment. Considering how important their package was, why were they only employing a small ground force to transport it? Would it attract unwanted attention? Why not send a larger force to clear the way?

She blinked.

She wasn't one for questions. She'd always just taken and accepted what was thrown at her. She was trained that way as an Agent. An empty coldness that had been instilled within her mind frame before she could even count to a thousand. No, it wasn't her place to question. That had been Tess. . . She could almost see her standing right there in front, long dark hair tied up in a high ponytail with the emerald green rivulets of her OMNi coursing through her armour. Snarky grin pulling at the corners of her lips as she if she enjoyed playing a smartass just for the joy of annoying the 'higherups'-

"My name is Kyburis Raidriar, Lieutenant Colonel of the Arkfall Ironclad Armed Forces and the commander for the Novaris Beta Division's ARC forces. I'm sure you've heard of me by now, whether it be negative or positive... I hope to speak with all of you about your abilities until our official departure."

She blinked again.

The tall silhouette of her erstwhile captain had been replaced by another. Vermillion eyes with twin pigtails and red-lined armour. Inwardly annoyed at her lapse in attention, the Lucerian was quick to recover, saluting the Lieutenant Colonel coolly in return.

"Specialist Amiela Aeterna," she offered robotically, even though Raidriar would've caught her name during her entry, "caster-support ready for your assessment."

 

[King Crimson]

Ur-Bracka Hlodyn​

With introductions having been made, briefing on their shared mission at once began, starting with what it was that they would be in charge of escorting.
Ur-Bracka was nearly doubled over in her seat, her chin rested firmly between her thumb in forefinger in deep thought as she stared intently at the holographic projection of the new vaccine prototype that they were to be escorting.
Admittedly, she had little knowledge in the sciences behind the vaccines; far more used to having a hammer in her hands, than tiny glass vials, but if what the scientist said was true, and that the tiny serum in his hands was key to preventing any more children from being forced to watch their parents waste away from disease, and then see their bodies so ignobly burned to ashes, than she was more than happy to guard it with her life.
With the subject of their departure out of the way, next came the route they would take, as explained by the acting major, once he was finished being escorted to his chair.
There was one specific detail that he had mentioned, which gave Ur-Bracka pause, her scowl deepening as she ruminated on it's implications.
She would need to ask, once the time was right.

With the hologram floating above the table suddenly blinking out of existence, the briefing was over, and now Ur-Bracka finally had the chance to take a glance at the other members of her new squad.
In doing so, she accidentally found herself locking eyes with her new commander.
Raidriar, she had her be called. The Flop of Snowpiercer, as the major had slightly confirmed in his praising.
She was...fluffier than she had expected, with long, flowing black hair that cascaded well past her shoulders. Were it not an act of severe disrespect, Ur-Bracka would be tempted to reach down and pat her head.
As if sensing her thoughts, or in response to something else just as bemusing, the commander broke off their staring contest with a soft, self-contained chuckle, earning a raised eyebrow from the Serraline, before she went on to address the rest of the crew.
Well, she at least seemed nice.

Mirroring the girl's salute with one of her own, along with a small, if not slightly oblivious, smile, Ur-Bracka congenially replied, "It is good to be working with you, commander."
"I have done much work, protecting of important packages as agent..." she explains goes on to explain, a small hint of pride in her voice, remembering the hard-fought battles she'd won, and the smiles of those she had helped save.
Her affability doesn't last long, however, her smile returning back to her same, stoic glare, as she shifts her focus towards the ailing major.
"...And in my experience, I found armored truck much easier to defend than unarmed carrier. More safe."
Leaning back in her chair, her arms crossed over her chest, she asks with a small measure of concern, "Why do we go on foot? Is terrain no good on this route we are taking?"

Interacting:
Rianriar/Major, Xethyrion

 

[Aelia Aeldyne]

Young.

They all seemed so young. I felt like I could reach out and just snap them in half.

How many of you have reached their thirties, I wonder...

Most of them names I had never heard of, except one. Kyburis Raidriar - a career soldier with a remarkable record save for a resounding flop in operation Snowpiercer. That's what I'd heard on the news at least; there wasn't much information out there about the military, so I'd had to go digging to find anything, and to my great surprise there wasn't much else than what the media said. She was clean, for the most part. Well. That would be a refreshing change, for once, though a crucial mission like this was nothing like standard field ops. Pressure and impending doom would reveal much of her character in due time - and tell whether this expedition was doomed from the start or not, though by this logic it would be impossible to know that all was lost until we'd gone past the event horizon.

In any case, things were going briskly which I could only appreciate. The quicker we were done here the sooner we could be on the road. That said... One of the other operatives - a strong-looking Serraline with a funny accent - raised a good question. Why not an armored transport, yes... I considered what I knew of the mission, and both ends of it. Terrain, allegiances, equipment... That explained it. I spoke up, keeping my voice somewhat quiet. Wouldn't do to scare the newbies before we even started.

"Strategic considerations. An armored truck is much more easy to track and follow even without dedicated pursuit equipment, and a liability in most combat situations except ambush by other vehicles. A contrario, a well-managed deep strike squad - cuz let's be honest, considerations of range aside this is 100% a deepstrike operation - like I assume this one will be, can be near-undetectable and on average cover ground faster than a vehicle. Which, when we'll be deep out there, will be a precious advantage considering we'll be walking through a "radioactive" wasteland."

"In short, anything outside of ourselves is useless to this mission, as we must remain unseen as much as possible while we're outside of support range from either Novaris or Traumathir."

My eyes flicked to the Lt. Col. before saluting in a mimicry of what she'd done, albeit a lazier one.

"Though it's been sixty years since I went to officer school so I might be wrong. Sir. Anyway, you asked about our abilities; I'd say there's not much on my end but we both know that's a lie, so I'll keep it short. Sharpshooting, battlefield control, stealth and nocturnal combat. Outside of the combat zone, engineering - biotech, cybertech, stealth equipment mostly."

I took a small breath, then concluded with a small rictus,

"If there ever is a problem, I will remove it."

Xethyrion

 

[lunar_moth]

Lusa waits silently in position as he listens to their mission briefing. At some point, Major Dalton's speech comes to a lull, and the spotlight is given to the -- his, now -- new squad captain. She reintroduces herself, sharp and to the point, and then it's their turn.

The woman with sleek white hair is first to answer, and her response is clipped. Something about her tone and the way she holds herself makes Lusa fight back a frown that threatens to twist his face. He is reminded of a snow hare, caught in a predator's gaze -- freeze, do not back down, melt into the pinprick surrounds of snow and give no indication as you scan every corner for an escape route. What does she know, he wonders? What does she wait for?

(Another quick glance at her and, okay, maybe a hare is not a subtle metaphor in the slightest, but it remains accurate.)

Next is the large woman seated across the room from him -- she has a bit of a furrow to her brow as she speaks up, and he finds himself nodding along somewhat with her raised concerns. Frankly, this mission seems one where time is of the essence. God knows how many innocent civilians fall to anomalies and miasma sickness with each passing day. If anything can be done to speed the process -- to finally do something to help, in a way that matters -- he wants to do it.

However, that train of thought is quickly smothered as the next of his new squadmates, the one with dark hair and darker eyes, takes her turn to gently break the silence.

Too much of a liability to travel any way but foot. Lusa supposes that makes sense. A vehicle isn't much help against a super-enhanced beast with no self-preservation, even if the lingering urbanite in him still jumps at the idea of any sort of reduced travel time. His doubts are still not entirely quelled, but he pushes them to the side for the time being to take a small step forward, hand in a salute and head tilted ever-so-slightly, a few strands of cool white falling into his eyes.

"Alweil," he repeats, addressing Raidriar coolly. "I may not look it at first glance, but I am a formidable knight and tactician, and I am willing and ready to serve in whatever way need be. I won't lose, and I will not let you down."

A beat.

"...Though, if I may speak freely, I must ask. How long should a journey like this take, at best? I understand that stealth is a vital part of this mission, but I can't help but consider the possibility that, eventually, our mission will become known outside of our intended circle, regardless of any attempts to keep it under wraps. Unusual movement is so closely monitored these days, by everyone, really. Besides, once word gets out that we have something they want, the people will begin to get desperate. I have seen this first-hand. I worry that the longer our travel time, the more danger to our objective." Lusa curls a hand into a fist by his side, quietly. Careful. Voice schooled, neutral. Reveal nothing. Even if the subject of a wartorn peoples' desperation for help is bringing back images behind his eyelids that he'd hoped to forget long ago. One of his first missions as a proper vanguard. The village. The gunfire, and the silence that followed. No, Lusa exhales in one unsteady breath, going down this path again won't help right now. Instead, he focuses his gaze off the now-hazy distance of the room and back onto Raidriar herself.

(In the corner of his mind, Lusa turns his thoughts to the boy at the back of the room, who'd slunk in without a word during the already-commenced meeting and remained silent the whole time. If Aeterna is a hare, then this boy is a cat, he decides. Perhaps a fox. A quiet born out of curiosity and contemplation, this time. Then again, maybe such comparisons are useless, if he hasn't even become properly acquainted with either of them yet. At least there will be plenty of time for that on the way, he reasons, with only a hint of mirth.)

 

[darkborn]

Caiaphas Orea
Location: Beta Division Novaris

Kai frowned. The others had raised good points, but something else was bothering him. The vaccines themselves. Vaccines can't last forever; they need to be shipped and utilized within a specific time limit, else they'd lose their effectiveness. While Kai was- well, let's just say that Kai wasn't a doctor. However, Kai knew enough enough about medicine and organics to recognize that they were on a tight time limit. So, therefore, he felt the need to ask his own question. "When were these vaccines manafactured? Will they be able to last long enough for a trek on foot? Because this isn't a deep-strike mission. It's a simple courier mission." At that, he gave a nod to the older lady who spoke. "We are probably never going to be ever prepared in any way to face what the Anamolies have to throw at us, regardless of what firepower vehicles can give us. However, what vehicles can give us is speed. Our task isn't to engage with the miasma; in fact, it would probably be better if we avoided conflict. Granted, stealth would be the better option, but that compromises our main priority of speed."

Furthermore, Kai doubted that this vaccine would remain relevant for long. Based on how Miasma quite literally mutated those it infected, it was safe to assume that the Miasma's genetic structure would change rapidly, enough to render the vaccine inneffectual. But he kept that thought to himself. People needed hope, if only for a moment. God knows the state of the world right now..

After putting forth his question, Kai leaned forward, putting his arms over a chair, taking the time to look over the others. First off was the white haired girl. At least, that's what Fae was projecting to him. Kai's own black and white vision was kind of useless in detemining color. Amiela, a caster- ...a support caster. Kai's face turned into a sad frown for an instant, before quickly shifting back into his trademark maniac smile. She's a better person than he was. ..No. Don't think such thoughts. Not now. Focus. To divert his thoughts elsewhere, he focused on the others. The next girl never gave her name- or at least, Kai never got it; rather, she was the one who asked the question about driving. While it was a valid question, it was quickly answered by the next lady, older in age; Kai also never got her name. While it made sense from that standpoint, there was still the fact that they were effectively timed. Medicine didn't last forever, even when refrigerated. And certainly for a courier mission like this, speed was the better part of valour, and would help the mission immensely. There was something off, Kai just felt it.

The other young man's response only confirmed his conviction that a vehicle would be better suited. Their job was not to engage with any beasts, but rather deliver a vaccine. Speed was of utmost, utmost importance. ...Perhaps, just maybe, there was something more political about this. But before Kai could ponder this thought further, he noticed the young.. knight.. looking at him. He glanced back at him, before quickly looking away. Succesful. Professional. ...Focused. Everything that Kai wanted, but probably never would be able to achieve. A mere moment after looking away, his eyes snapped back to the other man- Alewil- and gave his trademark smile.

He finally turned to Raidriar. His insane smile was on full force, but his eyes were definitely showing an intense cunning. "So, commander. Based on our circumstances, we have about two days to prepare for a 500 kilo trek through miasma-infested territory, where we are effectively on an uncertain, but small time schedule. We are not being given vehicles, but instead are expected to foot our way through it all. All for politics." His emphasis on the last word was clear. He stood up, and to his delight the chair was a spinning chair. After giving it a good shove and letting it spin around a couple of times, he grabbed it again and slid in the seat, propping his legs on the table and crossing them, spinning his capacitator in the air, before snatching it out of the air.

"Fae, if you would be so kind as to give us a map of the known area from Traumathir to Novaris? Topography included, please."

The little AI gave a chirp, before projecting a holographic screen of the area onto the table. Kai's legs intruded slightly on the map, but he made no effort to move them. "So, before we do anything, we need to plan a path through this little minefield of a journey. We have limited time to plan, and we can utilize our supplies and efforts more fully if we have an idea of what terrain and levels of danger we're facing. I suppose you have an idea, commander?" While speaking, Kai kept on tapping his echolocation implant. It caused the lines in his world to wave around as if they were the sea, but Kai paid no mind to it. He was thinking.

As if in an afterthought, Kai's eyes widened for a moment, before he spun around in the chair, before stopping it when it faced Raidriar, on foot on the ground, other crossed perpendicular to his knee, left arm on the conjunction as well, the hand that was attatched to it holding his capacitator. His right hand was pointing and waggling at Raidriar in a lazy way as he delivered his next statement. "Oh, yes. My name is Caiaphas Orea. Kai if you so please; Caiphas is stuffy. Suppose I would be labeled as a specialist, and all that. Caster; specifically, I deal in damage."​