《Core》


 Conceive

    "The world has many unknown anomalies in it"


    From the room that seemed small yet neat and comfortable to brace the harsh storm outside a lone old woman recorded her adrift thoughts in her deep and dry voice.


    "There are some that benefit native species while some lurk to bring downfall.... History repeated over and over while unearthing these same anomalies. While some crowned it and some resented it"


    Her voice was weak but that was no surprise for she had trapped herself in the room running out of air and frozen from outside yet this room was supposed to be part of underground nuclear shelter. But alas what creation of man can withstand fury of nature or change in it ,for where once stood a grand desert is now frozen hell.


    "It''s unfortunate for my time has now come. Right now I am last of manpower this station if not this facility has to offer. Everyone that put down their lives here, lived carrying the well being of this entire land and now I dont have any regrets for joining the ranks of martyrs for I have finished the line for this long relay."


    As Sentimental and old she was she felt confidence roaming in her by satisfaction of her deeds and her sacrifice for the country she cherished.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "For the creed we had in liberty and salvation and to retain that sovereignity for other aspiring lands..... I guess write this motto of my brother on the pillar of our grave."


    Shedding tears the old woman continued


    "To the topic let this package assist you in finding the weapon of war that our forefathers created in Second World War."


    The tremors in ground increased with screeching on surface reaching lowest room.


    "The package will provide great assistance in using it as well as briefing in further details. It must be protected above all. As it stands drawing it''s last breath ; Base Din¨¦ will go offline with quarantining protocol."


    All the talking left the mouth of the old woman dry and lungs void of air. The small room she sought refuge seemed like a evacuation station.Understanding her time was nearing she reached out to the side panel of the circular vault which was half the size of the room. She opened the vault which was beside her chair she sat recording her final thoughts. She undid the safety lock and checked the cargo one last time.


    "I wish that I could see conclusion of this war but from afar it is. I hope you have a Tape record player. Godspeed Dr. Hacket out "


    Tossing the Tape recorder in the cargo and initiating the safety lock Dr. Hacket closed the vault launching the pod with last of the power.


    The underground Facility base Din¨¦ on July 28th 2E 756 at 1800 crept into cold darkness ; vailing to the Conceiver of Snow.

 Versatile Part I

    On flying gunship which had a logo of UNSCA some soldier were checking the sortie equipments in cargo bay area.


    The gunship was shaped like tear drop from front while cuboidal from back . It had 4 thrusters at bottom and 2 at top front. It seemed to be flying above clouds at brightest night almost seeming as a dimmest day on full eclipse.


    "They gave us a baby to sit while sending us to dig our grave."


    " Cmon Curtz you are way too negative for someone who seems to have escaped carrying all casualties on his previous team."


    "You are downplaying this disaster in its face Jeff keep your mouth shut."


    Hearing constant complains Conner refuted slowly with stern voice.


    "I expected you to understand this and be a grown up the least Martin."


    With all the malicious environment brewing on in loud voices before him Tripford the target of it all declared in comms.


    "All equipments combat ready sending the data to your pad Captain. Requesting permission to check AS-52m away from disturbance."


    "Received. Checked and..... granted. That was fast kid get out of here before one of my team members gets court marshalled."


    Saying in channel same as Trip before realising that it was the open channel for the whole ship Conner heaved a given up sigh. Knowing what''s to come and regretting that what he said will be the cause Conner braced himself.


    "Listen here you manchild get outta the high horse arse of ignorance before any of us feels like getting dishonourable charges"


    "Trip for god''s sake why are you in open channel ! Rather your tone needs reworking...."(Conner)


    Conner told Trip after creating a private channel.


    A loud angry voice of a female rounded the whole ship through the ship announcer.


    "Outta here lad you just managed to piss off the only member of the team that was playing this cool."(Conner)


    Nodding and walking off Trip got called out again.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Don''t step on this land mine of team with that silence kid..... talk more. More like smart at this point"(Conner)


    "You have my gratitude captain I will go over mission area again"(Trip)


    Trip exiting the small bay entered the gun battery at right side of the gunship


    "Captain I err'' been meanin'' to ask but never saw yer pretty face at the base"(Curtz)


    "First don''t rub your accent on me Curtz. Second you want to know the sudden transfer of our new member ?"(Conner)


    Curtz grunted


    "And why do you have that honour ?"(Conner )


    "Respectfully captain..... That Autistic kid survived and came back alone without a single tag of his 8 team members. No in anyway I wanted him to dig a group grave at Mount. Elias but coming out without any major injuries to getting babysit by us in a week ?" (Martin)


    Martin never imagined he would give a cold shoulder to his brother in arms since joining the Army. Nor he thought that this complete stranger will receive such favourable treatment wondering if Conner didn''t just got bribed or worse.


    " Cap we aren''t ticked off as much by reading the classified documents than so from knowing that the UNWSA covered everything up. Not even revealing the tag data in these so called classifieds.... well does Hacket ring any bell to you ?"(Jeff)


    Seeing even Jeff coming for him and getting cornered with nothing to rebuke Conner felt lonely. He said while smiling


    "We don''t know what happened there. Some missions are more classified than my late wife''s age."(Conner)


    "Captain you need to realise that there is a lack of trust due to shady background."(Jeff)


    "Take a breath and let the rumours be rumours."(Conner)


    But Martin chimed in on the assault again.


    "We don''t many other things captain like his development station. You would think his class is Aquilifer or Decurio but not his class nor specilizations are given."(Martin)


    "This isnt classified its just his biography without when he shats and eats"(Curtz)


    "If this is all that occupies your mind before ops then we will be the so called all casualty squad for him this time."(Conner)


    Picking up his gun and seeing that it''s combat ready ,Conner walking to door of second gun battery. Not able to withstand it anymore continued in melancholy.


    "But know what ?.... You might see a 20 ol'' ass guy walking around with family or social issues..... but me ? I see a kid. A god damn kid who has seen full of shit life more than me. Son remember one thing some things neve leave the empty caskets and their empty graves."(Conner)


    The remaining lot felt guilty and angry in their agony for feeling like that despite being right...


    "Gunship will reach the designated altitude in 6 hours"(Co-pilot)


    While in all this commotion Capt. Conner never remembered to switch off his comms on open channel.


    "Captain do you copy"(Pilot)


    "Private channel ?"(Conner)


    "Yes. All lines from base are dead."(Pilot)


    Underatanding the weight of situation and importance of the recon. Conner continued with his visor up.


    "Who else knows this ?"(Conner)


    "Just my partner and you."(Pilot)


    " We got a lot pressure than we need and this team got alot things that should be below this ops.Keep it that way Marine and kick Ariel out while at it."(Conner)


    "Copy that Captain"(Pilot)


    "Forgive me. For we are talking about forsaking lives here...."(Conner)


    "Drinks will be on you Captain."(Pilot)


    Getting light hearted Conner chuckled ,with a happy but little down tone.


    "Heheheh.. Will keep the bar open long if I leave first."(Conner)


    Conner turned his comms off and went on with his work.

 Versatile Part II

    Trip continued his Rifles security check ignoring all the commotion outside and inside the channel.


    Trip while checking the focus of the scope the gun bay door behind him opened. Not giving any attention who entered at all Trip kept his mind on task in front.


    "Tripfordson Hackett"


    Trip realised the person walking past him to the gun battery and calling him out was the female announcer from before.


    Trip got up and processed to sit away from gun battery to not get in way.


    With all the commotion that went outside cause of no side backing down Trio blurted out.


    "Are you here for giving your criticism Ma''am ?"


    Trip got a scrunting stare showing surprise with one eye brow up.


    "Well while in person don''t you have such expressionally dead face..... whatever I wanted to check gun batteries but since 2nd bay door seems to be occupied by someone due to you I am doing my job here."


    Getting replied in most icy tone possible Trip remembered what Conner said.


    He tried to damage control.


    "By no means I meant that with malicious intent Ma''am you have my apology."


    Seeing his control of conversation causing more damage Trip sighed.


    "Ignorant , emotionless, introverted , and cold hearted. Which one of them are you going to be ?"


    While continuing to check the cylinder Trip was asked something he thought would be a sarcasm but the tone begged to differ things. Not to trip the claymore this time he took it seriously.


    "I have been some of it...... but by no means I am being insensitive."


    Realising some things are just complicated.


    Cursing they are right before fishing Koi in a sea full of sting rays she felt unsettled.


    The distracting silence and situation Conner warned to not let occur .


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.Trip for the first time being in this crew tried to move in productive way something that will anchor the trust.


    "I can''t be overly familiar here for a stranger Ma''am"


    She stopped fixing the battery and went over various thought. While taking a peek at glass window ,she saw occasional Mt. resorts and bridges in distance, which filled her eyes full of guilt.


    The glass window had conical metal casing in front of battery that elongated upto outside of the ship. When in combat the gun battery will be pushed outside and it will remain on standby inside when out of combat.


    Starting the security shut down and downing the shutter on window She checked the gun battery''s metal casing. Opening it she felt chill wind on her skin and muttered


    *Unexpected that''s some cold wind*(Ariel)


    Looking back She thought he didn''t deserved to be segregated. Being honourable out there might have been not an option.....


    Thinking of all the bravado that announcement caused and how it fueled the wildfire made her cringe.


    Trip sighed after getting looked at with silence and now cold in air as well..... Thinking that he had finally hit the nail in the coffin. He thought being a company anymore than this was a bad idea.


    Trip got on his feet ready to leave from a surprising long inspection of his rifle and the gun battery.


    Putting the helmet on the back the female in serious tone said,


    "Trip call me Ariel from now."


    Looking back greeted with a smile through lips barely curling up Trip felt mass confusion. He said with a startled tone.


    "Alright...... Ariel?"


    Coming out with honesty and tint of happiness Ariel continued.


    "Look........ sorry for calling you names and maybe flaming you....... little ?."(Ariel)


    "I guess....... I understand"(Trip)


    Seeing her taking a seat.


    Trip came back and sat down.


    Being face to face for the first time Ariel felt awkward.


    "God bless us liberty....


    Behaviour around here might have beeen horrible."(Ariel)


    Ariel said with tone of embrassment.


    "Well anyway today is 26th of July better be ready for the Recon ops."(Ariel)


    Trip took of his own helmet as well.


    "I will and I intend to keep words Conner said , true. Don''t sweat it"(Trip)


    "Well It was just being hive minded for something unknown"(Ariel)


    Seeing their is someone else sociable than captain Trip went with the flow.


    "And unharmful."(Trip)


    Getting cut in and not able to read his expression at all Ariel returned back to her icy tone from serious tone.


    "I am done here."(Ariel)


    Ariel turning back to the gun while sitting on chair Ariel closed the battery panel.


    Getting up and closing the shutters on the window leaving the room in dark Ariel walked past Trip.


    "I suppose I will make my self comfortable here a little longer."(Trip)


    Trip said parting words awkwardly.


    Ariel departed following doors closing shut.


    Trip let out a yawn followed by a "ah" realising what he did.


    "A tough nut indeed getting to the soft inside gonna be hard."


    Trip muttered the thoughts to himself.


    "Get off the open channel boy."(Martin)


    "Huh ?"


    Trip went into dilemma on wether he should reply an explanation or give an bowing apology imagining the cold weather thats going to be inside as well.


    Turning off the comms he pondered.


    " Didn''t I switch to private channel just a while ago......"

 Versatile Part III

    The blossoming Sanctuary of Apache-Sitgreaves Forest. The canvas of the beautiful lushy trees and the ever dark green coated mountains.


    Caressed by humans from artificial harm and nurtured by the mother nature as if being the Sanctuary''s parents.


    Through the night was young and the Sanctuary was full of silence ,the wonderful cycles of life continued under the dimly shaded moon.


    A bald eagle embraced motherhood in her nest.....


    An elk warmed it''s child beside a lake.....


    The butterflies tickled the flowers....


    And residents of an outpost became merry ,celebrated while drinking and singing, although the outpost seemed more like a bunker on edge of the Sanctuary....


    The Sanctuary of Sit-greaves Forest was big, compromising of many different surrounding forests and.... lands that were called parks.


    Sanctuary of Sit-greaves Forest had its own base. A defence base that spanned moderately. The base was not high nor long needlessly. Resting on a advantageous terrain.


    While a village seeming to be full of wooden houses, rested beside a lake in the Sanctuary.


    A peaceful and pretty village indeed if not for villagers faring against an attack or is it a raid ?


    Trouble seemed to be ever so brewing in this monochromatic dark night.


    Right now even if the Sanctuary seemed out of colours or out of light ; life always found a way.


    Life flourished and like that perished as well in the Sanctuary. A Sanctuary which braced the chaos each era brought this world. When times it rained fire and times it tore the ground apart.


    A world which seemed to become ever so dark or uncoloured with time.


    But alas even with lack of light and colour the Sanctuary shined bright. As if it sparkled. For that was the time of warmth, the moment of a dawn.


    Exactly an encased land without concept of time, a frozen world could sparkle.......


    "Alike a Christmas. A Christmas crystal globe....." Muttered the figure standing front of screen hands behind, watching the bizarre landscape of Sit-greaves.


    A Young girl was asleep in her room of Marine quarters. With all the commotion outside it wasn''t long for her to be woken up by it. With warning sirens buzzing inside the base, she knew that a storm is coming or situation where her deployment is imminent. She got on her feet


    "Good morning Miss Ivanov today is very... by all the warnings and your inbox not so beautiful day. You have been urgently called for briefing at 0430 hours of 27th July"


    The AI assigned to the girl informed her about the scheduled time.


    "Ned tell them I will be there."


    "At once."


    The girl quickly took a shower and dried off her white skin,


    She got her Brown-golden hair into braids and curled into buns, afterwords putting on her violet combat gear she hurriedly left her room.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Running through the quarter tunnels she entered the MTR station.


    "Please provide your identification."


    Swiping the Datapod on her hand at station terminal the doors to MTR opened.


    "Welcome Miss Univskova Ivanov"


    Entering into the Mobile Transportation Rails in underground leading to the Base Sit-greaves command centre , she took a look outside after MTR resurfaced. Univ saw the Command centre. Its compact hexagonal dome shape and trait to submerge into the ground made anyone marvel at its construction.


    Taking a moment to look outside, what stood before her eyes....... was nothing except the dark night and tints of dawn at horizon. Taking in the view which seemed abnormal while sitting ,Univ saw occasional sparkling outside seeming to be result of lights from base it still unsettled her.


    Before long Univ realised on seeing carefully that outside the base there seemed to be the film of glass. But no signs of blizzard nor snow storms for which sirens were buzzing about.


    "Ned Our base didn''t have any glass barriers right."(Univ)


    Univ had her question answered through the comms with a electronic high pitched voice.


    "Certainly.There are no records of glass defence mechanism."(Ned)


    "Then what am I seeing?"(Univ)


    "The object you refer as glass barrier is not glass at all, rather it''s an Icicle formation on energy barrier due to sever drop in temperature."(Ned)


    "All personnel be advised RSPD Base Sit-greaves will be going under the ground according to contact protocols."


    A base wide issued warning resounded in MTR.


    Univ took a moment to see it again as the base started the final preparation to go underground.


    "Ice on a lake. But it''s an Energy Barrier we are talking about here."(Univ)


    Crossing her legs Univ pondered.


    "How did this even happen?"(Univ)


    "It is due to the diffusion of high degree electrons circling around the base at undisclosed velocity."(Ned)


    "I did not request for public knowledge. I meant Icicle barrier Ned."(Univ)


    It was only the disclosed theory to the public and military personnel so that they won''t approach this dangerously lethal defensive mechanism. Albeit long metal compound running around base ensured that none approached it by foot.


    Univ knew that the Energy barrier wont allow any unauthorized object to remain or settle on it not even natural courses of winter or Rainfall. But despite all that.... what stood outside of Energy Barrier was large dome shaped Icicle barrier.


    "Despite the Orbital incorrection snowfall is still months away. Explosions of cold pockets in this continent at the moment are unlikely."(Ned)


    "That only leaves this phenomenon to the possibility of extra terrestrial or interstellar activity."(Univ)


    "A Meteorite with massive condensed amount of liquid hydrogen crashing is also a prime possibility"(Ned)


    Univ looked up , as the metal structure around base continued to rise.


    With reflection of night sky reflecting over her violet eyes she pondered, how is the outside fairing....


    what might be happening in this world with ever so dim sky.


    She continued to gaze up at starless sky which seemed monochromatic although ever so shrinking.


    The MTR Univskova boarded continued following path to the SpecOps control in the Command Centre ,as the Base Sit-greaves continued to submerge.


    Univskova went to her Armour locker. She started putting her Combat Armour on. While the Combat suit had sufficient amount of protection from the chest and shoulder guards the Combat armour kept the user free of further extensive physical and energy harm. Her locker listed the armours name as TRAIAN III.


    Univ left combat armoury, while making her way to hanger bay Univ stated her displeasure on comms.


    "Could that briefing get any shorter ?"(Univ)


    "I understand how we are treating you but right now our manpower is needed at this Base for defense. Considering we have sent a squad North west as well."(Michelle)


    "Didnt you just show me video footage of situation at the Sanctuary, minutes before when cameras went offline , really ?"(Univ)


    "I need to be in conference, I will talk you soon Ivanov "(Michelle)


    "Miss Ivanov, Chief advisor Michelle has gone offline"(Ned)


    Boarding the RSPD PX-100 air to semi terrain Univ said


    "Ned tell Michelle that , next time something more than a briefing of situation around perimeter and weather report will be appreciated."(Univ)


    "The Chief advisor is currently not available to receive messages due being in emergency meeting."(Ned)


    Univ continued checking the situation on ground and air. Receiving unfathomable data she turned on the autopilot and switched the PX-100 to landscape recon mode she jumped out of it.


    Darknes still surrounding her , Univ felt eerie feeling arising in her mind while accelerating towards the ground which seemed ever so sparkling and white with each passing seconds with sun still tinting the night sky.

 Versatile Part IV

    "HAKKET"


    An ear ringing voice rang through the hanger bay.


    Boarded the MK-70 model B, busy doing maintainence check on shock absorbers in hanger bay Trip realis ed the source of unexpected storm by just hearing the thunder. Surprised they weren''t resting while this late.


    "Mister Wolvson It''s 3 am of 27th July and how may I help you?"(Trip)


    Greeting back Curtz , Trip didn''t tried to be woodpecker this time or rather not anymore before being sent in a canyon full of walking piranha''s.


    Curtz opened the engine of the vehicle passing Trip , who was underneath it.


    Slapping the engine multiple times Curtz continued blowing out his lungs.


    "UNSCA''s restricted beautyyyyyy ! Just Looks at its military exclusive bodey. Ye know those gluten pisser at Clitadel will never get load of her."


    Trip not playing into game of landmines continued his own work.


    "One ride and she makes yer mind go crazy, bals all weak GHUEHAHAHA"


    The frantic display left Trip puzzled for a while. When the vehicle shook trip realised Curtz just climbed over.


    "Hacket this is Martin. I don''t see Curtz around here is he with you." (Martin)


    Before Trip could reply the loud laughter and banging noises gave the answer away.


    "Got that. Contain him until I get there !"(Martin)


    Trip always thought silence and peace were uncomfortable. But now he realised the consequences of denying his introvert side.


    "Why she so stout...... rather low and lookkke now she is all dirty and you too Hakket. Lemee wash you and hr face."


    When he realised that Curtz is drunk and climbed on the vehicle, that Trip was doing maintainence check on he quickly slided out from underneath it.


    Coming out from underneath with the roller stretcher Trip saw Ariel entering.


    The good thing Trip witnessed after looking right was Ariel entering. Now that Ariel came to handle situation which he deemed uncontrollable by him and one which really needs some depressurising he felt peace.


    The bad thing Trip witnessed afterwards on looking up was that, Curtz was at top of the vehicle all naked.....


    "Hakket why ya still wearing the helmet ?!"(Curtz)


    Ready to car wash.... with having not a care in the world about being electric baton''ed from back.


    Trip quickly slided down beneath vehicle.


    Flicking the shock absorbers of the vehicle back up


    He rocked half of the hanger bay.


    Sent dozens of military grade equipment on tour.


    Flew a naked body across the hanger bay into wall.


    Face planted his combat tech support that came to help.


    All in all Trip thought he least saved a tunnel way that night. Still he couldn''t check the mounted gun at all.


    "We had two team members in single night breaking UNSCA law. One getting a demotion at that."


    Martine looked over the hanger bay and back to Trip , with his hands behind back


    "Do I see a third one ?"(Martin)


    Hearing Martin call out, Tripford opened his mouth but couldn''t find words to say


    "I am waiting for the explanation on how containment became explosion."(Martin)


    "I knowingly picked the non lethal solution still I apologise. Sir. You will have it soon"(Trip)


    Taking a pen and paper out of his pouch Trip took a sit on the foldable chair


    "Don''t have time, clean this up for god''s sake and meet me outside Hacket."(Martin)


    As leaving without Combat gear was against rules Trip equiping his LD-IX armour went outside of the Gunship. Upon exiting the Gunship Trip saw a small pond on right, there was a bonfire as well little far away. Where Trip recognised a familiar back warming himself beside it while eating his rations. Trip approached bonfire intending to greet him.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "Good call Hacket."


    Trip got called out before he could greet this lone Englishman. Trip felt little relaxed yet surprised by the friendly tone , that carried some heavy accents he thought. Trip asked him.


    "Alright Mr.Wolvson?"(Trip)


    Trip said to Jeff who was stuffing his mouth non stop.


    "I don''t waste me mind on a brother-in-arms mate. Though this cool attitude with that uncaring tone or personality. Hats off to that if you can keep it up."


    Trip took a seat on the fallen white tree beside Jeff. Taking off his helmet he enjoyed the scenery, through barely vague to be seen due to the darkness or yet to be accumsted to the night well past mid, still he pictured it.


    White barks stretching around him and miles on a beautiful canyon that was actually in front of him, trees sometimes short yet at times tall. A canyon full of snow-white tress.


    Seeing Trip keeping him company, Jeff tossed his food packet in bag and chugged some water down from his water sack.


    "Thanks for asking chum..... I am fine....... Question is, is everyone now ?"(Jeff)


    Trip tried to continue the flow.


    "Everyone seems out of touch."(Trip)


    Jeff said with mocking tone although couldn''t hide the dissatisfaction.


    "Aren''t you the sharpest one aye? Decades together those Two brown hunks and except an Asian girl then there is that cun''tsin of mine sneaking that hard hitter in his Mini. All a shattered pieces of mirror."(Jeff)


    Trip kept his silence realising that pursuing the topic at hand any further is bad.


    Still Jeff continued the flow.


    "What are you upto then Hacket ?"(Jeff)


    "Colonel said he had to talk, called me out"(Trip)


    Jeff remembered Martin walking off in woods. He sighed and whispered but the wind still carried it to Trip.


    "We just might be running out of soldiers."(Jeff)


    Jeff sounded melancholic.


    Grasping more or less what Martin wanted to discuss he wondered about Conner.


    "Where is Conner ? Couldn''t catch him at all."(Trip)


    "Cleaning up mess and handling some higher ups."(Jeff)


    "What did go down ?"(Trip)


    Jeff patting on Trip''s shoulder continued, although he sounded angry, a quite different side of him Trip witnessed, since joining this team.


    "Ariel dug up too much ,probably found everyones grave and at that came clean about it.Conner said me to keep quiet and hell with that."(Jeff)


    As the lasting silence continued Trip went over various things in his own head. Before he could lay them out. Jeff got up. Pulling out his data pod he bumped it on one on Trip''s hand.


    "Well that''s it Hacket , there is somewhere you need to be. Here have this."(Jeff)


    Trip got up as well checking out what Jeff just gave him at the ever dying out bonfire. Truning on the feature he just obtained his Data pod showed up red dots scattered through out the pulsing map.


    While Trip checked the new feature he was handed out, Jeff proceeded to board the ship. Trip got called out again.


    Jeff shouted with his lungs out prompting Trip to wonder if some things run in blood.


    "Know what Hacket ? it was assuring to have you in company, you got great charisma with those blue eyes and Brown hair. Chicks dig that lad ! not that attitude !"(Jeff)


    With laughter eeriely ringing over all of the wood Jeff left with his flashy accent.


    Trip walked around the woods with his eyes on the Data pod. Alot of dots were grouped in one place while one dot was away alone. Striding towards it in cold woods Trip heard constant striking of an object in distance. He thought to himself this is quite the atmosphere.


    Martin standing in the white woods was chopping a tree. He held a big axe albeit it wasn''t big for him.


    Approaching Martin''s back Trip came to stop when he stepped on a metal.


    "Kept me watin'' Hacket. Although Wonderful night ain''t it."


    Through Martin started conversation, he was still chopping the tall tree.


    "If not for this god awful landscape ! I say feels right outta a horror piece."


    Trip bent down and picked it up. After inspecting it he found out it was an authorisation card key.


    Trip thought he packed some height by being over 6ft. But when facing the back of this Optio class combat medic he doubted that.


    "Where you never know when you will get latched on by some wandered away shit"


    Martin sounded desperate while at that being in these ominous white woods that stretched miles anew and high.


    It dangled without leaves in this Grand of Canyons, in this world. Piecing together the conversation with Jeff, Trip could feel the crumbling.


    "Sir, if-"


    Trip tried to close distance but Martin started chopping the tree with more strength, enough that the tree was cracking by the force than the wooden axe.


    "Our predecessor fought with their own abominations , ones with huggin'' arseholes to headless crawlers. Seeing their photos, damn they were pretty horseshit than their knockoffs."(Martin)


    The tree Martine cracked off fell down with loud noise. Trip kept his silence, staring at the man who just cracked the wooden axe as well.


    Martin turned back throwing the axe away. He said,


    "I won''t beat around the bush Hacket."(Martin)


    Trip decided to leave this Lieutenant Colonel to his own flow.


    "While you were resting, what we found with the 6 hour thermal recon of the Grand Canyon. To put it short.......


    There is an army of white masses marching some mile away from here, towards Navajo desert son and you don''t wanna know how big a Screep can be."(Martin)


    Met with no questions Martin proceeded to sit on the log , he pondered and admired about how Conners words always strike the home.


    "All the Base Din¨¦ channels are sending static back and the Base will likely undergo Containment Protocol soon......


    The UNSCA might evacuate the base but by the Citadel orders we have been forbidden to go back for aiding evacuation in pretense of jeopardising our recon ops."(Martin)


    Trip understood finding a weapon vault that might have some unstable technology buried due to shortcomings of that time, was important.


    "Countless lives are going to be lost Tripford. You have been told all that got whistleblowed."(Martin)


    But was it really important enough than a whole Base undergoing Containment Protocol taking whoever unfortunate enough to remain back ? Trip came out of his whirling thoughts with loud dragging sound.


    Trip looked behind and saw Martin moving the log by latched rope to his stomach and nails on the log.


    Martin continued on his tracks and said to trip.


    "Another thing Hacket, I seem to have lost my override key. Since you are on the night watch put in a request for its retrieval on Ship comms, for this second-in-command will ya ?" (Martin)


    Trip under the starless night sky and woods singing with cold winds , contemplated on course of action.

 Versatile Part V

    Trip putting on his Helmet arrived at Hanger bay meeting up with his team members. Curtwerz , Conner , Ariel , Jefferson and Martin.


    Seeing Trip join up as well Conner said


    "Jeff give them one last debrief"(Conner)


    Trip latched himself to the landing pod between Ariel and Martin, with rest of his squad.


    "As you wish my Primord"(Jeff)


    With things still in turmoil Trip couldn''t help but sigh.


    "Ears Open Cadets. Today at 8:00 am of 27th july 2756 this might be some of you lads first recon deployment at this sector." (Jeff)


    Conner knew that it was first enemy territory recon ops around these lands for Trip and Ariel, since they transferred recently.


    Jeff with his carefree mood continued,


    "We are here at Grand canyon to scout certain areas around lair of Screeps for a vault and pinpoint locations out of range of Screeps for deployments. You are advised to not engage anything without contact and forbidden to instigate The Queen." (Jeff )


    Jeff sent further information to Visors of his squad mates.


    "Open your landing chute when you are close to the ground and remember to keep your armour dispensers on and Sound absorbers safe from harm."(Jeff)


    Though Trip went over the info countless times, he still gone on the details front of his eyes.


    A Grand canyon''s extra terrestrial species, code named Screep. It has long limbs and grills around lower body to intake air. Screeps walk on all four but bipedal movements in unique situations are also observed. Screeps don''t possess observatory organs. They instead collect chemical particles through grills but be advised they can create ultrasonic waves and utilise them to flush out hiding preys or predators alike. Recent studies have shown them to have mind of Feline.


    "Contact at launch altitude in 25 minutes." (Pilot)


    Trip pondered over the line ''Mind of a Feline". He thought that it''s a very vague term for ''Death is the last thing you will have in store''.....


    Trip thought that alot of dangerous things lurked without public knowledge while only limited to that sector but then again the bizarre things at Mt. Saint Elias were not a common knowledge , not even to some members of Citadel.


    While thinking this Trip got a private line request.


    "Forgive me Hacket. I didn''t wanted to be the only one making this decision......this choice. A choice which will result in sacrifices."(Martin)


    Answered with Silence Martin didn''t tried to pursue anymore and closed the private line.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Still cant able find the rules of engagement after going over the ReconOps at screep lair Ariel asked


    "What if we come in contact ?"(Ariel)


    Martin feeling down with having lost hope on getting this young woman ever to talk, saw a chance and quickly answered even if it was meant for Jeff.


    "Put some distance and don''t move, don''t make sounds. Running is your best and most advised option."(Martin)


    "Do keep the sound absorbers on and safe."(Conner)


    Content seeing the new introvert of the squad is getting level headed Martin felt capable to hold conversation again until Conner chimed in and set the progress back to zero.


    "and maybe pray that it will just leave you alone , HAHAHAha....ha....h " (Curtz)


    Given a cold Silence as feedback and him trying to get the situation little better isn''t working Curtz went quiet.


    "And when firing back is the only option?" (Trip)


    Hearing Trip ask a question as well Martin thought, Maybe its just him realising late that he is just a little twat. But Martin didn''t knew he will regret not answering the question.


    " Required altitude for launch will be archived in 15 minutes"(Pilot)


    "Then you put it down and get yer nuts cracking on some sweet soft sides." (Jeff)


    Jeff managed to break Conners seriousness and Curtz silence leaving Trip regret to have ever spoken in his whole life.


    With the whole team comms bursting in frantic laughing noises with even Martin trying to hide his audible muffling followed by everyone getting kicked out of team comms.


    Trip entered the comms back hoping things have been settled down and to his surprise found himself alone in there.


    Until he got called out by Ariel.


    "Trip have you been told ?"(Ariel)


    Trip replied.


    "I am certainly not in dark."(Trip)


    "That so ? I can''t imagine this being alright with your mother being there, so are you sure ?."(Ariel)


    "If even Citadel is getting involved then even my Mother would want me to follow the orders. Besides Mom was excited after finding the vault that she even told me about it while I was in McCarthy sector. She really wished to find this weapon vault."(Trip)


    Taking a brief pause Trip took a deep breath and continued.


    "Really did that''s why I can''t back down. Not here."(Trip)


    and then left the comms.


    Ariel felt emotional. She never heard Trip talk with a caring tone before. Thinking about the burdens he is carrying while being deployed wouldn''t let herself keep together anymore.


    She left the team comms as well removing the barricade.


    "Be advised launch altitudes archived. Standby. The launch pods will be deployed in 1 minute."(co-pilot)


    "Captain thermal scan is useless due to the white forest. Steer the pods with caution."(Pilot)


    Trip felt ever so nostalgic or is it Deja vu he wondered. Preparing his mind Trip steeled himself for delivering the vault location even if it was his dead body sending it.


    "Launch in 10...9...8.."(co-pilot)


    Counting down in voice like countdown to death sentences Co-pilot felt nauseous.


    "1....0.... Blast off. Br....k em u.... B......"(Co-pilot)


    "Go.... Hu.....ng. w... b...r... ga...."


    Trip closed his eyes. With the ominous static and launching into an hostile lair of army that even left everyone dead silent.


    Trip felt tremors yet he was in hundered kms high in sky opening his eyes he saw stones bigger than trees flying past his eyes hitting one of the pods like seemingly a bird getting shot in midflight and.....


    He saw the ever so faint reflecting from the distant with the MK-70 going down slowly in distance while the mountains covered themselves with blanket of slow but ever approaching snow.


    He looked around with his eyes whichever so reflected doom and rocks. he heard the comms scrambling..... Full of static noises and shouting.....


    While all this happened one landing pod from the group decreased in speed steadily going horizontally overhead valleys of emerging white mass. The ground bloated everywhere underneath it and the trees rooted out of it by the emerging white limbs out of the black soil.


    With static and red lights buzzing all around the pod Trip closed his eyes and muttered,


    "At end of the day it''s just being the last one standing."