Dagger-Two
Kang Lo Directorate
Gallente Federation
292
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Posted - 2015.07.13 21:51:00 -
[1] - Quote
Here's a story I had been working on, forgot about, rediscovered, and then decided to keep going with.
I don't have very much so far, as I'm fairly slow with my writing (not all that great at putting thoughts to paper). Still, feedback is always appreciated, and also helps with motivation.
Playing since 1st batch of closed beta keys.
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Dagger-Two
Kang Lo Directorate
Gallente Federation
292
|
Posted - 2015.07.13 21:54:00 -
[2] - Quote
In the twilight of early morning, three armour-clad figures creep silently along a treeline toward the edge of a quiet outpost. Each wears a slender Gallente-made dropsuit, its chameleonic skin shifting as they move. Nearing their destination, the men come to a halt as they receive final instructions on their task.
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Startled by the unexpected notification ping inside his helmet, Grys was noticeably slow to react when the man in front of him took a knee and signalled a stop. From behind, he heard a disapproving grunt.
The young man was noticeably on edge. He had felt uneasy about this job from the moment their employer-turned-handler had contacted him. Even now the full details of what he and his companions were actually doing on this backwater world in the heart of Placid were a closely kept secret, which their enigmatic employer only divulged one granule at a time. When they did receive objectives, they almost always lacked specific details, even seeming intentionally vague. He hoped that this would be the final piece of the puzzle.
Accessing the suits communications UI, he opened the message awaiting his attention. It was audio only, as had been all the others. Looking around, he could tell the other mercenaries were already getting their answers. He opened the audio file and the now-familiar, emotionless voice of the woman started speaking to him. It was a voice he had come to despise.
GÇ£Now that you are in position, it is time you knew your targetGÇ¥ she began. GÇ£Ahead of you there is a hidden facility owned by the Angel Cartel, and operated by local Serpentis affiliates. On the surface it appears unremarkable, but underground lies a sizeable quantum-computer network used for advanced decryption and virtual research. You will infiltrate the compound, neutralize any threats, and upload a virus into the network. Once this is completed you will move west, where you will rendezvous with an exfil unit. The virus itself is stored in your suits internal memory. When you interface with the access terminal inside the main lab, it will be uploaded automaticallyGÇ¥. With that the message abruptly ended; no signoff, GÇÿgood luckGÇÖ, or other hint of emotion.
GÇ£Easy as can beGÇ¥ the man on point exclaimed over the squad commlink. Grys had known Arnoud for nearly a year now, and was equally impressed and unsettled by the older manGÇÖs bravado and confidence, as well as the indifference, even enjoyment, he seemed to find in violence. They had fought countless skirmishes as allies, as well as adversaries from time to time. Arnoud never took any of it personally, even having told Grys he had a GÇ£good fightGÇ¥ just minutes after the veteran bested, and then violently gutted, him in hand to hand combat with a plasma knife. Though he wouldnGÇÖt call him a friend, Grys had a begrudging respect for the seasoned warrior.
Their rear-guard, a Vherokior man named Tomor, again grunted in disapproval, this time at ArnoudGÇÖs nonchalant remark. Both Grys and Arnoud had only met him a week ago, when they were first contracted for this task. He was a quiet man who kept to himself, but the few times he spoke it was with a deliberate precision that contrasted sharply to the casual dialogue of the two Gallenteans. Twice he had brought up concerns as to the nature of their employer, and both times the weight of his voice made it sound as if the fate of the cluster was at stake. In the days before the trio left station, he seemed to grow increasingly tense. Arnoud dismissed this like he did most other things, but Grys began to mimic TomorGÇÖs uneasiness, and began thinking the Matari man may know something they didnGÇÖt. In pre-mission training, Tomor demonstrated excellent combat skill and incredibly keen instinct, sensing danger well before the other two, which left Grys suspecting him to be anything from a Republic marine veteran, to possibly even an ex-Valklear. Nevertheless, he didnGÇÖt dare pry for an answer.
GÇ£We should move now, before dawn breaksGÇ¥ Tomor spoke unexpectedly.
GÇ£WhatGÇÖs your hurry, big guy?GÇ¥ Arnoud replied with a chuckle. GÇ£Dark or not, they wonGÇÖt see me comingGÇ¥. Grys felt like he could make out ArnoudGÇÖs smug grin even through the dropsuitGÇÖs enclosed helmet. He wanted to say something, to agree with Tomor, but instead kept quiet as they began moving again.
The outpost itself was a fairly small collection of seven rapid-assembly structures, of mixed Gallente and Minmatar make, all camouflaged to match the greyish-green hue of the surrounding terrain. The largest by far appeared to be a sort of communications center, under which the computer lab was located. Around it were dispersed two living centers and two multi-purpose buildings, as well as a pair of security posts. It was those which drew the teamGÇÖs immediate attention. Atop each one was mounted an automated autocannon that slowly rotated as it searched for threats. Combined with a host of both radar and ladar based sensors scanning for threats, the weapons presented a serious obstacle, able to rapidly and accurately deliver explosive 40mm rounds against air and ground threats alike.
(that's all for now)
Playing since 1st batch of closed beta keys.
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