Special Police DekaOps
30


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OP – Alter Bridge –Metalingus
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“EXternal Operations?”, Michelle said out loud as she did a check on the computer systems. She only decided to do so after she noticed some space on their hard drive was mysteriously taken up. A thorough search, and some “special” software she created, gave her the name of this particular file. She couldn’t go any further because a password she couldn’t crack was preventing her from getting into it. “What the hell is this?”

“I told them you’d notice,” Major Pierce said as he entered the Control Room. “But then again they don’t know you as well as I do.”

“So what is it?”

“Something Dan and the others are going to need once they complete their training. Which is hopefully soon.”

“Training?”, Michelle asked. She was hating the fact the information officer was apparently out of the loop. The Major took a deep breath before explaining the situation to her. “Why didn’t you tell us about this?”, she said in a state of shock.

“I was under orders not to,” he explained. “Direct from Commander Scorp. I hated keeping all of you in the dark but I didn’t have much of a choice.”

“So where are they going?”

“Some place Dan knows pretty well,” he said. He walked over to her station and pulled up the file. Then he imputed the password, “Since the proverbial cat is out of the bag I might as well let you in on what I know. It’s not going to totally make up for how I was acting, but hopefully it’s a start.”

Michelle eyes were transfixed on her screen as information and schematics flashed by, “Holy shit.”

“So do you think they’re going to enjoy their new toys?”

***
Over the horizon a second sun started it’s accent in the morning sky. The Machine Tiger flew over the canopy of the jungle heading for a complex in the distance. The autopilot landed the craft on a landing pad not far from the main building. The rear hatch opened and a ramp lowered as they walked out onto the alien planet. In their black field uniforms they looked around. “Nagasus 7”, Dan never thought he’d be back here again. Movement in the jungle caught his attention while Rev looked in the same direction. “Did you hear something?”

“Yes Captain,” Rev replied.

With his fingers Dan told Target and Rev to head to the right and for Ace and Boomer to go left. Drawing his SP-Shooter Dan headed for the middle. He didn’t go far before he realized where he was in the jungle. That open area was too far away but there was a small patch that would work just as well. The being stalking them targeted him first knowing exactly what he was capable of. He lost track of the human momentarily and kneeled to listen to the environment around him. A rustling to his left caught his attention. The human’s hat disappeared behind a large brush. He was disappointed, that was sloppy of him. He went to the far side of the brush to ambush him. Waiting for the footsteps to get closer he jumped out of hiding. A hairy bipedal beast stared lazily at him while it chewed on some leaves. Alright that was clever. He wasn’t surprised he felt something poke him in the back. “Perhaps the Commander wasn’t aware that was the second oldest trick in the book,” Dan said.

“Perhaps not,” Mynx said with that guttural chuckle of his. He spun around quickly to catch him off guard. He took the weapon from Dan’s hand and was surprised to see a stick instead of a gun.

Dan raised his SP-Shooter, “And that would be the third.” He smiled a bit before lowering the weapon as Mynx laughed again. Holstering his Shooter he took out his OpsLicense and switched it to phone, “Stevens to all units, target is a friendly. Return to the Tiger.” Ace and Target both replied in the affirmative. “It’s good to see you back on your feet Commander,” Dan said as they headed back compound. “You were in pretty bad shape when I saw that video.”

“It took me a while to heal from Waven and his group’s attack. But I’m tougher than Duranium hull plating. It’s a shame we had to lose Tony and his unit as a result.” Both of them lowered their head, Dan nickname for the tiger stuck fast with the others. “I heard they targeted you after that.”

“They did,” Dan said. “It took longer than I would have liked but we got them.” Dan looked around remembering all the crap he went through on this planet. “To be honest I’m surprised anybody is still here. After the Alienizers found out about it I was positive it’d be abandoned.”

“I thought we would have to relocate too,” Mynx agreed. “But every intelligence report says the Alienizers stopped having any interest in this sector soon afterwards. But Command is playing it safe in this case. We have sensor satellites throughout the system. As well as various droid ships flying around tracking any Alienizer satellites and feeding them false information.”

“Sounds like something Scorp cooked up,” Dan commented.

Mynx grunted, “You know him all too well it seems. I get the occasional report about you and your unit. Trytan was very impressed about the way you handled that particular situation.”

“I couldn’t have done anything without my team.”

“Spoken like the leader I’d knew you be.” Mynx stopped and held out his hand. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to surrender your License.”

“Can I ask why?”

“Scorp’s orders,” he answered. “Your unit will have to surrender theirs as well. They well be returned to you after you complete the program. And none of you will leave until all of you have passed. I hate to tell you this Dan, and again this comes from Scorp, but you cannot assist your team in any way during the training. Nor can any of your team mates help each other.”

“That makes no sense,” Dan said. “We function as a team and we survive as a team.”

“I know but Scorp wants everybody to pass this on their own.”

“Scorp was behind a desk during basic too wasn’t he?”, Dan asked not even bothering to hide his annoyance. Looking at his License Dan handed over to Mynx. “Never let it be said I don’t know how to follow orders.”

“Good. Come Captain let’s go to your team so I can explain the program.”

“It can’t be any worse than my original training here.”

***
“Blasted plasma storm,” the Captain of the Iczian battle cruiser said to himself. This was going to set the timetable back a bit. “You,” he pointed to a Crystaline, “make sure there’s no leak in the starboard power coupling. The freeze cannon won’t function at peak efficiency if it is.”

“Is there a problem Captain,” A male voice behind him said. The only other Iczian crew was a husband and wife team who previously failed in an attempt to bring civilization to the planet known as Earth. This mission was their shot at redemption.

“Nothing we can’t fix sir,” the Captain replied. “These plasma storms have a tendency to play a little havoc with the inner workings of the ice cannon.” The cannon was actually a dish on the underside of the nose of the ship, but it worked in much the same way. “I’m getting a spike that’s well within safety range but I thought it was better to check it know before we got there.”

“Oh I agree my good Captain,” he said. “It would be downright disgraceful if we get there and the savages get a chance to put up a defense before we can even fire a shot. Take whatever precautions you think are necessary. My wife and I will fine tune our attack strategy in the meantime.”

“Very good sir,” the Captain said.

***
Mynx examined them as they stood at attention. He told them as of now this was as back to basic as they could get. Each of them wore nothing but their black pant, boots and a plain grey T-shirt. “I heard the stories about the Ops unit from Earth,” he said in full drill sergeant mode. “And let me tell you low lives right now it doesn’t mean a damn thing. You might have thought you were hot stuff back home. But you maggots are in my world now. You want anything you are going to have to earn it. Is that understood?!”

“Sir yes sir!”, they replied.

“Now I’m sure Captain Stevens told you about his previous experience here. But what I have in store for you is totally different than what he went through. You will learn to fight an enemy in any condition where you find yourself weightless. You will learn the tactics necessary to perform at maximum efficiency in those situations or you will not leave. Is that understood?!”

“Sir yes sir!”

“I can’t hear you.”

“Sir yes sir!”, they shouted.

“Excellent.” He stood in front of Rev, “And I will not stand for anybody holding the others back. Is that understood?”

“Sir yes sir!”

“Good!” He started walking in front of them staring at each one of them. “This experience will change the way you think in battle. Now this program is designed to teach you how to move and fight in a Zero G environment. Now this might be the only time you have to use this particular set of skills. But they claim humans are very creative so it is possible you may discover a different way to use these skills I am about to pound into you.” Looking at Dan a moment longer than the others he added, “Because I am in a generous mood and I know a good soldier hates surprises I will tell you that you will be walking away with more than this training.

“I pray you maggots are smart enough to realize that external means outside. And outside a ship’s protective hull is all sorts of cosmic radiation and your standard Dekasuits won’t be able to protect you fully. A protective shell will cover you to protect your worthless hides.” Standing in front of them he looked at each one like he was trying to gauge the depth of their souls. “Your training begins now. Double time it to the complex!”

“Sir yes sir!”, they turned and ran for the building. Mynx held back and studied them one more time. They were Stevens’ unit aright. Now here’s hoping they’ll be able to live up to expectations.

***
“This is unacceptable,” Chatrox nearly exploded. The blob like holo image he was talking to didn’t immediately respond. This was somebody high up in the organization, the image gave it away. They were paranoid about any transmission being intercepted they spent million of credits for their image filters to hide their identities. Occasionally you thought you could pick out a familiar voice in the distortion but it was rare. “How long have we worked to get a foothold on this miserable planet?!”

“You hate Earth Chatrox,” the image said, “or so I have been told.”

“It’s the principle of the matter,” he argued. “How many billions of credits have been poured into this operation? Are the bosses just going to let that go down the drain? The Iczians can go ‘civilize’ some other worthless planet.”

“Unfortunately the Iczian don’t sit down and have a reasonable conversation with anybody they consider beneath the. Which apparently is everybody else in the galaxy.”

“They probably won’t consider a bribe in this situation I suppose.”

“We tried in the past,” The image said. “No once they target a planet they consider it theirs. The fact it really isn’t is only a matter of formality.”

“So we’re suppose to just drop everything and leave?”, Chatrox demanded.

“I figured you would be happy about that.” He could almost see the smirk on the other side of the transmission.

“Like I said it’s the principle of the matter. I may have clients, well paying clients, I may not get back if I am forced to relocate.” Besides he still needed to be the one to end Steven’s miserable existence.

“According to our leads SPD has a plan,” the image said. “Right now we’re telling our Agents to get off planet until we see how this plays out. But,” it continued slowly, “if an Agent with a particular set of skills should just happen to sneak aboard the Iczian ship and inadvertently help whatever plan SPD has…”

“It would be a suicide mission,” Chatrox snorted.

“Perhaps, but the bosses would be very grateful. Not enough to assign that agent to another planet, seeing how precious their cliental is. But I am sure they would be rewarded with a very large monetary sum if they survived. It is something to think about.” The image faded away and left Chatrox fuming. Help SPD, how humiliating. He shouldn’t have complained, after the Iczians took this miserable planet he’d finally be free to go elsewhere. But then he would have to lose his dream of plunging the blade of his knife into Steven’s still beating heart.

***
Mynx had told then there were basically two stages to the training. And none of them would were going to see stage two until all of them had completed stage one. After three days most of them were practically dancing around the Zero G chamber. And after three days they were still stuck at stage one because Rev was still having problems without any gravity. It was frustrating because all of them had an idea or two in how to help him. But because of Scorp’s inane rule they couldn’t go over there and discuss it with him. He even ordered they be bunked in separate parts of the compound so they couldn’t say anything after hours.

During a break period Rev sat rejected on a bench away from the others, his antennas drooping. All of their hearts went out to him, if they could only head over there and give him something other than words of encouragements. Dan went over that rule in his head again and again. He thought he might have found a way around it. Rules were rules, but once they started to mess with his team’s effectiveness then all bets were off. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Ace scratch her arm. He stopped himself from smiling when she gave him a quick hand signal. He wasn’t the only one who thought of a way around that rule. Giving a quick signal back as he stretched she walked over to him. “You worried about Rev?”, she asked.

“He’ll get it,” he answered. “I know he will. I’ve been watching him though, his antennas are flying wild when he’s in Zero G.”

Ace nodded, “I noticed. He told me once they help with his balance. That might be what’s throwing him off. If he concentrated on keeping them flat against his head or something it might help.”

“It’s a pity we can’t tell him.” Rev started to look their way before Ace scratched the back of her head and gave him a quick sign. He twitched his right antenna, he understood. Dan cracked his neck as he got up. That order said he couldn’t discuss things with the rest of the team about a particular member. If that teammate just happened to overhear that conversation… oh well.

***
He came in seeing his wife hard at work at her assigned task. Walking up behind her he started messaging her shoulders, feeling how tight the tension was making them. She moaned slightly as his fingers took some of it away. Studying what she was going over he asked, “How is it going darling?”

“Tediously dear,” she answered. “We needed the intelligence we have now the first time. We might have tried to accelerate the schedule.”

“I heard this planet was over flowing with ruffians hiding behind those badges.”

“I wouldn’t say overflowing,” she chuckled. Leaning forward she manipulated the globe hovering before her until it grew in size. “But they do have more than their fair share I’m afraid. From what I can tell there were at least nine other units planned for this planet. Most of those planned either stalled or disappeared altogether. There were a couple of minor ones like a DekaRail I believe it was called that were stationed here,” On the globe the image of the United States flashed briefly. “Then there was the orbital station here,” it flashed it’s current position. “It serves as an immigration post if I heard right.”

“How disgusting,” he shivered, “all those savages in one place. Where are the main units darling?”

“The main DekaRanger unit is located here,” Singapore’s position flashed. “The ones I think were called DekaRescue are here,” The United Kingdom flashed next. “DekaSquad has a mobile base according to all reports but are generally in this area,” half of Europe and Russia was next.

“And the ruffians who attacked us?”

“That we do not know,” she admitted. “They appear anyplace that doesn’t have a unit. But we do have some conflicting reports that they appear in this part of the world rather frequently. “The United States flashed one more time.

“A pity I was hoping to start with them first.” Smoothing out some of his fur he said, “I know it appears unbecoming of a gentleman darling, but those savages ran us out of our house.”

“I know dear,” she patted his hand. “I did work out a battle plan I think you will approve of. I locked in the coordinates for the two main units. So we target those two first. The third we can lock onto once we reach firing range.”

“Excellent Darling, just excellent,” he kissed her on the top of the head. “Although I think we should target the orbital station as well. Just in case they gave it a bite as well. You can never tell with these so called officers of the law.”

“Wise as always dear.”

***
What a difference a day made. It took Rev a little while to learn to concentrate enough on keeping his antennas steady but he did. He was amazed the answer was so simple that he didn’t even consider it. At the moment he was following Dan in a Zero G version of follow the leader, flying through blue holographic rings. Dan curled up and somersaulted forward so his feet would hit the wall. He only stopped long enough to get a fix on the next ring and push off. Rev repeated the maneuver. His trajectory was off a bit as he went through the ring itself. Dan grimaced as he saw it change from blue to red. He didn’t have time to dwell on it as he headed for the next ring. Before long he grabbed a rail on top of a platform near the ceiling and hit the button on the wall. Rev joined him a moment later doing the same. Dan looked down, out of twenty rings three of them were red. “I think you passed Rev.”

“I believe I did,” he said as gravity returned. They slapped hands as the platform started to descend.

“Who taught you to do a high five? Well high three in your case.”

“Michelle showed me after I originally arrived at OpsBase,” he said looking at his hand. “The gesture never seemed appropriate until now.”

Before the platform hit the ground floor the other were already there to greet them. Ace jumped on and hugged Rev around the neck, “I knew you could do it Rev.”

“Way to go buddy,” Boomer told him.

“Great job Rev,” Target added.

The celebration ended as soon as the doors opened and the Commander walked in flanked by a couple of his men. They immediately got in line and stood at attention. “At ease,” he said as he walked over. “It looks like the weak link of the team got a little stronger.” Walking over toward Dan he said a little softer, “And might I add a fine way to get around that bureaucratic rule.”

“I’m sure I don’t know what the Commander is talking about,” Dan said not betraying a thing. Mynx walked away chuckling.

“It’s my pleasure to announce that all of you have passed stage one. Stage two will take you into some more advanced tactic.” Snapping his fingers his men walked forward carrying what looked like a mockup of their backpack, but modified to be a little bigger and had orange dots of various sizes in different places. “Stage one taught you how to operate in Zero G conditions. Stage two will teach how to do that with a little extra propulsion. As well as some strategies in how to use that knowledge in combat. Is that clear?”

“Sir yes sir!”

“Just what I wanted to hear. Grab your gear because stage two begins now.”

***
It had been a week, their deadline and they didn’t hear anything. Pierce tried not to let his anxiety show as he hovered around the Control Room. He nearly jumped out of his skin as Michelle’s console beeped, “SpaceBase sensors are picking up an unscheduled vessel jumping into the system in between Earth and Mars.” All of them have been jumpy all day whenever they alert went off. “Downloading sensor reading from that sector now.” The distance made the download take longer than usual and she was getting irritated. “Come on, come on, come on.” Finally she got the reading. “Profile is too large to be them.” The “them” in question being their absent teammates. “Profile fits an Iczian battle cruiser.”

“Get me Meng Yeow and Gyoc Row,” Pierce told her. After a moment their images appeared on the screen. “Just a heads up we have a possible positive sensor hit. ETA is,” he looked at Michelle’s screen, “roughly twenty five to thirty minutes.”

“We’ll do what can” Row said. “I’m still not sure if we can get the robos into space in time with these thrusters but we’ll do what we can.”

An alarm went off, Michelle quickly went back to the readings. “We have a new sensor profile,” she announced. “Smaller vessels have broken away from the larger one. I’m picking up a hundred and counting.””

“Fighters,” Pierce said. “Apparently they learned a new trick.”

“That’s a new wrinkle,” Meng Yeow said, “we weren’t expecting. We were going to have a hard enough time with the battle cruiser.”

“If we’re going to go down them let’s go down fighting,” Row told them. “I already contacted the SpaceBase and the Jets. They should be able to stop some of that fleet.”

“Fighters are approaching fast,” Michelle announced. “They’ll be here in under ten minutes.” She was quiet for a second. “What the hell? Sensors are registering explosions going through the fighter’s formation.”

“Get those ships back in formation!” the Captain shouted through the controls. “What is causing those ships to explode?”

“I told them they should have more test on those contraption,” the male said to his wife. “They should have never left those ships leave the yard. Whoever approved of this should be flogged!”

“Now now dear,” she said while rubbing his arm, “there’s no need to heat yourself so. So what if a few ships malfunctioned. We have more than enough to weaken and tie up their defenses while we get into position.”

“As always darling you are right,” he squeezed her hand. “That was nothing more than a bump in the road.”

What nobody was seeing was what was causing those ships to explode. A cloaked vessel was flying through the metal icicle like ships firing it’s blaster at anything in it’s path. That craft quickly broke through the field and headed for the Iczian ship. Ignoring the disc the craft headed for one of the still open hangers, landing in it before it sealed itself off. A shimmer effect was the only thing that betrayed it’s presence as the pilot exited.

***
The Major silently watched the fleet of dots quickly came closer. He should have brought Helen here. At least that way he would have known she would have been momentarily safe. “New ship incoming,” Michelle said. “It’s coming up behind the Iczian ship. We’re getting an incoming transmission, it’s on an SPD frequency.”

“Put it on,” he ordered immediately.

Dan voice came through the speakers, “Hope you didn’t start the party without us?”

Neither of them was so glad to hear anybody in their life. “Can you not cut it so close?”, the Major told him.

“Now where’s the fun is that?”, Dan asked. “We’ll get back in contact after it’s over.” Signaling for Boomer to cut the transmission he looked at the data they were receiving. “Slight change of plans,” he told them. “We’re going to thin out that herd a bit first.”

“Works for me,” Ace said as she pushed a lever foreword and the Machine Tiger jumped foreword.

“What the blazes?”, the Iczian Captain said as the new vessel shot past them.

The black and white ship quickly caught up to the rear of the fighter who did nothing to acknowledge their presence. “There’s no transmission coming from the ships,” Boomer said.

“Sensor indicates crystalline based pilots,” Rev announced.

“Then I won’t feel bad about this,” Dan stated. “Lock on.”

“Locks acquired,” Target said as multiple green lights highlighted her screen.

“Fire!”, four panels, two above the wings and two below, opened up. A split second later four missiles shot out. A few seconds later the missiles split apart firing off eight missiles each that took a sizable chunk of the fleet.

“That got their attention,” Boomer chimed as he started to pick several transmissions from the remaining fighters. Ace punched the engines to go faster as Target changed weapons as a pair of blaster emerged from the wings. They made a path through the fighters as Ace avoided the return fire and debris floating around. A couple of Iczian fighters made their way behind the Tiger. Target hit a switched and a turret lowered from the hull. It quickly turned around locking onto the fighters destroying them.

“You’re friend loaded this thing for bear,” Target told Dan.

He smiled, “I like to think he gave it claws.”

“Clearing the field,” Ace announced as they past the fighters. Running ahead of them she banked the ship tightly to the left and headed back in. Target quickly got another lock and fired off another round of missiles as they made their way back through. Ace saw the reading in front of her and quickly corkscrewed the ship out of the way as two Iczian ships crashed into each other. “Is it bad I think I’m cheating on the Shepard?”, she asked nobody in particular.

“Fifty-five to sixty percent of the Iczian fleet has been neutralized,” Target said. “Are we going to take out some more with another run?”

Dan really wanted to, but their primary adjective was getting closer to firing range. “It’s going to have to do,” he said. “The units planet side have a better shot now. We’ll leave it to them while we take on the main ship.” Still firing the blasters the Tiger punched through the field again and headed for the Iczian ship. A few lasers were fired at them but Ace easily dodged them. She flew past he ship before turning around and matching their flight path. Flying close to the hull Ace turned the ship on it’s side and matched their speed. Carefully she placed the bottom of the Tiger hull to the other ship and magnet clamps reached out and attached to the Iczian hull bringing both crafts tight together.

“Machine Tiger is secured,” she announced. “We’re ready to begin boarding procedures.”

“Right,” Dan said as he unlatched himself from his chair and floated toward the boarding hatch and the only spot of gravity on the ship. The others did the same and reached for their OpsLicense. “Change standby.”

On the Iczian ship Crystaline started to come out of the elevators and headed for the sector the enemy craft landed. They stood by as the white wall suddenly had two red dots that quickly burned a rectangular shape into it. A small explosion blew the section into the hallway, smashing some of the Crystalines in the process but they started reforming soon after. “Emergency! DekaOps!” A quick digital flash and five individuals in Dekasuits rushed in.

“Man I hate these things,” Boomer said as he pointed his D-Shooter at a Crystalines.

“Mow them down,” Dan ordered. They headed in direction of the engine room Rev and Ace smashed them with their D-Rods as fast as they could. Boomer and Target fired away with their D-Shooters.

“Just like shooting fish in a barrel,” Target quipped.

“Except these fish come back,” Boomer told her.

Dan found himself surrounded as he kicked one Crystaline into another and unlatched his D-Shot. Priming a shot he quickly turned around and blasted through another one. Kicking the head off another one something whizzed past his head. Looking back he saw a familiar looking knife sticking out of a Crystaline’s face. He shot it and quickly looked back. For a brief moment he thought he saw something shimmer as it turned around a corner. “What’s he doing here?”

“Savages!” he was so upset his wife couldn’t even calm him down. “Captain activate defense protocol.”

“At once sir,” he quickly isolated the sector they were in and activated the command sequence.

The lights in the hallway turned red. At the same time the Crystalines feet started to change and cling to the grating on the floor. “Looks like that’s our cue,” Dan said. They drew their License and raised them above their heads. Pressing the button in-between the lights the faceplate popped open revealing the black badge inside, “EXO mode!”

In the red digital field Dan lowered the OpsLicense and held it right in front of him. A grid came from the badge that quickly covered him. The grid started to change, expanding into a new shape. Dekametal came from the digital field and starting filling in the grid with black armor plating round his hand, feet arms, legs and torso. Two rocket like devises appeared on his backpack while smaller ones appeared in his shoulder armor and on his waist. On the lower half of his helmet a breathing device appeared going up to the lights on the sides. A red one burned into the left side of his chest. He slotted the License into the right side of his chest, “Ops1 locked in!”

In the blue digital field Target lowered the OpsLicense and held it right in front of her. A grid came from the badge that quickly covered her. The grid started to change, expanding into a new shape. Dekametal came from the digital field and starting filling in the grid with black armor plating round her hand, feet arms, legs and torso. Two rocket like devises appeared on her backpack while smaller ones appeared in her shoulder armor and on her waist. On the lower half of her helmet a breathing device appeared going up to the lights on the sides. A blue two burned into the left side of her chest. She slotted the License into the right side of her chest, “Ops2 locked in!”

In the Green digital field Rev lowered the OpsLicense and held it right in front of him. A grid came from the badge that quickly covered him. The grid started to change, expanding into a new shape. Dekametal came from the digital field and starting filling in the grid with black armor plating round his hand, feet arms, legs and torso. Two rocket like devises appeared on his backpack while smaller ones appeared in his shoulder armor and on his waist. On the lower half of his helmet a breathing device appeared going up to the lights on the sides. A green three burned into the left side of his chest. He slotted the License into the right side of his chest, “Ops3 locked in!”

In the yellow digital field Boomer lowered the OpsLicense and held it right in front of him. A grid came from the badge that quickly covered him. The grid started to change, expanding into a new shape. Dekametal came from the digital field and starting filling in the grid with black armor plating round his hand, feet arms, legs and torso. Two rocket like devises appeared on his backpack while smaller ones appeared in his shoulder armor and on his waist. On the lower half of his helmet a breathing device appeared going up to the lights on the sides. A yellow four burned into the left side of his chest. He slotted the License into the right side of his chest, “Ops4 locked in!”

In the pink digital field Ace lowered the OpsLicense and held it right in front of her. A grid came from the badge that quickly covered her. The grid started to change, expanding into a new shape. Dekametal came from the digital field and starting filling in the grid with black armor plating round her hand, feet arms, legs and torso. Two rocket like devises appeared on her backpack while smaller ones appeared in her shoulder armor and on her waist. On the lower half of her helmet a breathing device appeared going up to the lights on the sides. A pink five burned into the left side of her chest. She slotted the License into the right side of her chest, “Ops5 locked in!”

“Special Police DekaOps!” Dan floated there slightly with Ace and Rev on his left and Target and Boomer on his right. Pointing a finger at the Crystalines Dan gave one command, “Do it!” The jets on his backpack came to life and shot him foreword. He crossed his arms in front of him and smashed through the Crystalines. A quick mental command caused the smaller jets to turn him around and brought him to a stop as he aimed his D-Shot. Magnets in his boots stuck him to him floor as he fired at the reforming creatures. “Now if they only gave us something that would keep them down.”

Ace and Target used those magnet boots to run up the wall and down the hallway blasting Crystalines with their D-Shooters. Ace was grimacing behind her helmet as she said with each shot, “I! Really! Hate! These! Fucking! Bastards!” Both of them jumped and headed for the other wall as they continued to fire. At Ace command they slotted their OpsLicense into the D-Shots and took aim. “Strikeout!” Twin blue beams shattered the Crystallines in it’s path. A crackling sound signaled they were reforming.

“How did you keep these things down last time?” Target asked.

“Blind luck,” Ace admitted.

Boomer and Rev were doing things the old fashion way as they smashed the Crystalines directly. Getting fed up with this Boomer reached into his back and pulled out a small disc with a small metal spike on one side. With an angry grunt he slammed it into the nearest Crystaline’s chest. It beeped before for a moment before steam started coming from the contact point. In moments the creature was a puddle floating in the air. Boomer watched as absolutely nothing happened. ”Yes! It’s staying down!”

“Do you have enough of those devises to take care of the rest of them Robert?”, Rev asked.

“Thank you for killing my buzz.”

“Get to the engine room,” Dan ordered. “These things are just wasting our time. A display in their helmets showed them the location of the largest power source and they headed for it at full speed, Smashing through any Crystalines that tried to stop them. They hit gravity and none of them lost a step as they continued on. Crystalines still tried to stop them but they barely paused long enough to confront them. They found a sealed door blocking their way, “Boomer.”

“On it,” he quickly placed some charges around the door and blew it open. Dan and Target secured the opening first before waving the others in.

“Again with the destruction of private property,” They looked around and saw the Iczian came in from a separate direction. “Oh your outer layer is different may be different but you are the ruffians from before, of that I have no doubt. Captain if you will.”

He hit a panel and more Crystalines started to come out of the Ice panel surrounding the room. Target took quick aim and fired several shots at the panel. The Crystalines stopped moving, with some getting stuck halfway in the ice. “You never should have showed me that,” she told them.

“Ruffian!” he roared. “Leave before I contact your so called superiors. They told you to leave us be.”

“They did give you a free pass last time,” Dan said removing the License from the slot. “It was a one time deal. Target orders!” The area went dark as a red X and a blue circle flashed between them. After a minute the red X shined. “Eliminate target!”

“You savages wouldn’t dare!”

“Watch us. D-Cannons!” Reaching back with their left hand on of the jets split open revealing a bazooka like devise the raised up. Lowering the barrels they aimed them at the Iczian. “Sight up.” a targeting reticule appeared on their visor turning green when it landed on the Iczians. “Strikeout!” Energy traveled from the OpsLicense through the chest armor and into the D-Cannon. Five massive blue energy beams shot out and deleted the Iczians immediately. “Got you.”

Boomer wasted no time in setting charges around the engine room. “We got ten minutes to get the hell out of here. I set the charges to explode in case anything tries to tamper with them.”

“Right let’s get going,” Dan said. The trip back to the Tiger was more or less uneventful outside of the occasional Cyrstaline they came across. Listening to that voice in the back of his head Dan pulled his D-Colt and aimed it down a connecting corridor. Chatrox materialized into view. “I knew it was you.”

“Is this any way to greet somebody who helped you human?”, he sneered.

“Why are you here?”

“Don’t get the wrong idea human,” he walked into the hallway they were in. The barrel of the D-Colt tracked him the entire time. “I am simply following orders. It would be bad for business for me and several of my associates if we had to relocate to another planet. Credits would be lost and more credits would be spent in restarting operations. I did it for my profit margin and nothing more.” Dan never took the Colt off of him. “I did save you human, or did you forget that with your shiny new suit.”

Slowly he took the D-Colt away from him, “I’m not deleting you, we’re even.” Chatrox nodded and turned away fading from view again. Dan stood there kicking himself.

“Cap you’re going to let him go?”, Target asked. “Just like that?”

“We’re on the clock,” he said more to convince himself than the others. Deep down he really didn’t want that lizard holding something over him. “But I’m not trusting him. Target, watch our backs. Ace…”

“I’m already checking the readout for the Tiger,” she said looking over a pad she took from her pack. “Reading are all green.” When they got the entry point she stopped and nearly dropped the pad. “That son of a bitch.” The boarding hatch was closed and wielded shut.

“Sorry Ace,” Dan began, “but Boomer crack it open.”

“Won’t that damage the integrity of the ship?”, Rev asked.

“I rather take our chances out there than in here,” Dan told him.

***
Several minutes went by and the Iczian ship started to fluctuate as the Machine Tiger finally freed itself from the hull. Then the engines and the rest of the ship exploded. The fighters stopped and drifted in space. Planet side the few Crystalines that were able to get to the ground suddenly stopped, crumbled and quickly melted. In places like Singapore DekaYellow cautiously tapped a puddle she was just fighting with her foot. She looked over to DekaRed who just shrugged, “That special strike Sir was talking about must have worked.”

“We’re getting reports from all over the planet,” Michelle said. “Iczian forces are stopping and making a very wet mess.” The Major could hear the concern in her voice. He was feeling it too. They still haven’t heard from them.

“Looks like we won,” he said but he wasn’t feeling it, he didn’t want to think about the possible cost for this one. “Come on guys,” he whispered, “I didn’t think you were going to let us down before don’t disappoint me now.”

Almost like he was heard they got an incoming signal, “Machine Tiger to OpsBase.”

“Yes!”, Michelle jumped up and hugged him around the neck.

”You going to give this old man a heart attack and your girlfriend is going to kill all five of you.”

“The explosion messed with our communication for a few moments,” he explained. “And we had to blow our way into the ship and that caused more damage. Long story short we got a heavily wounded bird and Command is going to be pissed.”

“I’ll gladly take the heat Command throws this way,” Pierce told him. “Are you going to need any assistance?”

“Ace thinks she can limp her back to the orbital station but it’s going to be close.”

“Understood, Command has a small support staff waiting just in case. I’ll see you when you get back. OpsBase out.”

“Major I have incoming transmissions from both Meng Yeow and Gyoc Row,” Michelle said.

“Give me a minute to compose myself,” he told her. “I’m ashamed to say I was starting to think I wouldn’t get the chance to make up for how I misled them.” She nodded and made up a quick excuse. He leaned against the railing. He knew his people were good, now he’d get the chance to tell them.


-----
ED –Evanescence – Whisper
-----

Special Police DekaOps
31

-----
OP – Alter Bridge – Metalingus
-----


Michelle stared out the window on the command deck. Around her OpsStation personnel were busy making sure all systems were operating properly. She barely paid them any attention, she was transfixed on the Earth slowly spinning below them. Michelle had seen images of this before, in news report, in magazines, online and the like. But seeing it in person took her breath away. Noticing Dan’s reflection in the window she took his hand. He gave her a quick squeeze while they looked at the planet below. “It reminds me when I came back from my original training,” he said. “It’s still an amazing sight.”

“It’s beautiful,” she commented. They continued looking out before turning away.

“I still can’t believe we get to keep this place,” Dan said looking around the command deck. Although part of him still couldn’t shake that feeling of being watched he had when they were first tested.

“Command wants to make sure we’re properly prepared in case we’re attacked again,” Michelle reminded him. “How did the Major put it? They got the training they might as well have all the toys that go along with it. Did you take the tour yet?”

“Just got done with it,” he said. “It’s way more impressive than my first trip up here. It has all the things OpsBase has plus a Zero G training room.”

“We don’t want those new skills getting rusty now do we?”, she grinned. Leaving the command deck they walked the hall until they found an elevator to take them to the barrack deck. “So how is the duty rotation going to work with this?”

“The Major wants at least one of us up here a couple of times a week,” he answered as the doors opened. They took a left and headed for the field team barracks. “Two if we can manage it. We’re getting a couple of specialty shuttle pods that’s suppose to travel between here and OpsBase in under twenty minutes.” Saluting a couple of crew members as they passed he continued. “Although we might be seeing a little less of Ace for the immediate future. She’s been studying everything she can get her hands on concerning the Machine Tiger systems. She’s planning to supervise the repairs herself.”

“Poor bastards,” she said thinking of the repair crew aboard. “At least you don’t have to worry about getting a request form for part upgrades.”

“The Major is really thankful for that,” Dan said with a grin. “According to him she’s planning on coming up two or three times a week to supervise the Tiger’s regular maintenance.”

“Ace better bring along a couple of her regular crew otherwise these guys are not going to know what hit them.”

“She is.” They stopped in the middle of the barracks. Like at OpsBase six doors, three on either side of the hallway, waited to be occupied. “Despite the fact our time here is going to be limited the Major wants us to pick out our own quarters in case some of us pull a night shift. Since we’re senior staff we get first pick.”

“How are you two doing anyway?”, she asked. “After that surprise test he said you were pissed.”

“We talked, worked things out,” was all he said. “We’re fine now. Having to wait a week before having that conversation helped things a lot. I was a lot calmer than what I would have been.”

“Good,” she said. “I’d hate to think I’d be visiting you in the brig.” Dan rolled his eyes but said nothing. Looking at the doors she said, “Since we get first pick maybe we can get a room next to each other.”

Slowly he said, “Or maybe we can pick the same quarters.” Turning around Michelle looked at him. “I mean officially we’d have to have separate quarters, make it look like everything is being used and such.”

“That’s sort of a big step,” she told him.

“I know,” he agreed, “but I’m either sleeping in your quarters or you’re sleeping in mine. I thought why not make it official.” Suddenly feeling unsure of himself Dan went, “Unless you don’t want to.”

“Actually I love the idea,” she said wrapping her arms around his waist. “It could be like our own private get away. As long as we juggle the schedules around. So how do we pick?”

“How did you pick back at OpsBase?”

“I just went with the first empty room I went into.”

“Like this?”, reaching back Dan hit the button that opened the door behind him. Michelle squealed as he grabbed and pulled her into the room.

***
Several sonic showers a day and Chatrox still felt dirty. He still couldn’t believe he assisted Stevens, much less SPD. He doubted he’d feel totally clean again. Although the sizable fee the Bosses awarded him for the task almost made up for it. He had enough to live off of for a long, long time. Not that he took a vacation afterwards, no there were clients to take care of. New avenues of business to exploit. Not to mention something in his gut told him Stevens and his accursed black badge unit survived the little “present” he left them on the Iczian ship. No he wouldn’t believe it until he saw a body. Even then he’d demand DNA verification. Chatrox was not going to leave until that particular human was no more.

Putting his cloak back on his personal Igadroid stepped forward, “You are getting an incoming transmission.”

“Who is it?”

“The transmission indicates that it is Xyon Agent Chatrox.”

Chatrox snorted in disgust. It was one of his newer clients, and he was almost as bad as the humans, almost. He toyed with the idea of having the call mysteriously dropped. But there were so many times he could blame a sudden burst of cosmic interference. Walking, slowly, to his receiver he accepted the transmission. This was going to be extremely painful. “Greetings Xyon,” he said with false pleasantries, “I see the cosmos is clear today.”

An image of a stout, reddish skinned being appeared before him. In fact Chatrox would privately say he was as wide as he was tall. “Apparently,” the image said. His body language said he was annoyed with waiting so long. The Agent knew he had to tread carefully. An unhappy client was not a good thing, no matter how annoying he was.

“What do you need today?”, he asked. “I have several specialties items in stock as you know.”

“You have nothing I need today,” Xyon informed him. Keeping his expression neutral Chatrox wondered why this fool was wasting his time. “On the other hand I have something you might be interested in.”

Unless it was Steven’s current location he sincerely doubted it. Although his curiosity was piqued, “And what might that be?”

“A complete set of Centurion Class battle armor.” Chatrox jaw nearly dropped as he double checked to make sure the line was secure. Only one planet manufactured that class of Armor, Dextal. On that planet the armor was only used by the guards of the Royal Family. Not that mattered, but the material it was made from was a different story. A pound of it was worth a small fortune on the black market. A whole suit, well a smart person could purchase his own system. “So are you interested?”

“Are you sure this is legitimate?”, Chatrox asked trying hard to keep his voice even. More than once somebody had tried to pass off a fake. Because of the nature and rarity of the material in most cases that person was never seen from again.

“Of course I’m sure,” Xyon looked insulted. “You can test it out for yourself if you don’t think I’m right.”

“I plan to, I’ll meet you in a few hours at the usual location.” Chatrox ended the transmission before Xyon could say anything else. “Igadroid, get the Myon scanner and prepare my ship for launch.” It did as ordered without another word. Chatrox wouldn’t have heard it if it did say anything. He was going over his client list in his head. More specifically those looking to buy items such as this, if it was real that is and how many of them who could actually afford it.

***
Cloaked from view the Machine Shepard headed for Texas. A little earlier SPD Earth Command was contacted by a representative of the Dextal high court. This person was trailing a stolen suit of armor for a couple of systems now. She was able to trace it this far but requested some assistance seeing how she wasn’t familiar with Earth customs and protocols. Naturally they called them in because the representative wanted to keep this as quiet as possible. After a short flight Ace set the Shepard down in an abandon quarry. Exiting the ship Dan looked around not seeing anything. “Stevens to OpsBase.”

“OpsBase here,” Michelle answered.

“We’re at the coordinates but I’m not seeing the envoy,” Dan said. “Rev couldn’t even pick out her life signs.”

“Give her time Dan,” The Major told him. “She might be a little gun shy. From what I understand this is her first time on Earth, so play nice.”

“I won’t start anything if she doesn’t, Stevens out.”

“So how long to we wait?”, Ace asked as he put his License away.

“Until Base calls us back,” he answered.

“Which hopefully will not be any time soon.” All of them whipped around, hands on their SP-Shooter at the new voice. Wearing a plain brown jumpsuit a female stood there with her hand s open and sleeves rolled up. Emerald eyes stared at them while long white hair framed her pale blue face. Both sides sized each other up before making a move. Lowering her arms she continued, “It was not my intention to startle you. My name is Drilian, I am a Fourth Level Knight of the Dextal Royal Family.”

“Fourth level?”, Rev said with some amazement.

“You heard of them?”, Target asked.

“Not much,” he said, “but I do know that to reach the rank of Fourth Level Knight is a rare accomplishment for someone so young.”

“You honor me,” she said with a slight bow. “If I may be so bold, but you are a black badge unit, are you not?”

“You heard of us?”, Boomer asked.

“Some of your compatriots assisted us several of your months ago,” she informed them. “Although from the rumors of their existence I doubted I would ever see one in the flesh.”

Dan nodded, “I’m guessing if they sent you it must be pretty important.”

Drilian told him, “It is although it may not seem that way to you at first.” Opening one of the pockets of the jumpsuit she reviled a holo disc. Placing it on a rock an image of a suit of armor hovered above it. “This is a suit of Centurion Class battle armor. More importantly it is the armor of our King. I am ashamed to say it was stolen under my very nose by a very resourceful thief. He was resourceful until I caught up with him that is.”

“And he got rid of it before you caught up him?” Dan asked, getting a feeling he knew where this was going. Drilian nodded in shame. “This is a hell of a long way to drag a trophy.”

“It’s more than that Cap,” Target spoke up. “I didn’t recognize the name of the planet until she mentioned the armor class. The alloy of the suit is super rare. The black market price alone is astronomical in some place.”

“You’re comrade is correct,” Drilian said. “The fact it was stolen was already a slap to the face. The very idea it could be dissected and sold off to the highest bidder, we would not be able to overcome that kind of embarrassment.”

“Do you know where the suit is now?”, Dan asked her.

“Unfortunately the armor has traded hands several times,” she answered. “I should consider myself fortunate it was not dissected and sold off by now. From what I have been able to gather the armor was given to a Troblin named Xyon.” She touched the controls of the holo disc and a wide, squat reddish creature appeared. “To my knowledge the armor was given to him in exchange in payment for a shipment of Koradone.”

“A priceless alloy as payment for some drugs?”, Target asked in disbelief.

“The previous ‘owner’ of the suit was not aware of it’s worth,” Drilian explained. “His mind was so far gone when I found him I was lucky to get this out of him.”

“Do you have a way to track Xyon before he bolts,” Dan asked.

“Xyon no,” she said. “But I can locate the suit if I can get close enough to it. We have a scanner that can detect the alloy before we dig. I was able to adapt a smaller unit for my search.”

“Target, you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“I think I am Cap,” she answered. “I can hook the scanner into the Shepard’s sensors. I should be able to widen the search radius.”

“You have my eternal thanks.”

“Thank us after we get the armor back,” Dan told her.

***
It didn’t take long for Target and Ace to hook Drilian’s scanner into the Shepard’s system. But there was a computer language barrier that delayed them a bit until Boomer and Michelle were able to solve it. Still cloaked and flying low they quickly settled on a search grid. Drilian hovered over Target’s shoulder as her eyes remained glued on the sensor screen. “So,” Target said feeling a bit uncomfortable, “how did you avoid popping up on our sensor scans?”

“As a Fourth Level Knight I am trained to lower my life readings until they appear to be nonexistent,” she explained. “It was a skill that was difficult to master at first, it is still difficult to perform at times. Even those older and wiser than myself have said so.”

“And you only attain that skill after you prove yourself worthy of attaining the forth level,” Rev said to Dan. “I believe her story is truthful Captain.”

Glancing at them she asked, “You doubted I was who I said I was?”

“We’re retrieving a suit or armor that’s damn near priceless,” Dan said. “I’d be suspecting my own mother at this point. After we couldn’t detect any electronic gear or electrical field around you, outside of the holo disc, we just needed that bit of info to know for sure.”

“I would have gone the same,” she said with a nod. “It is good to know I am not dealing with fools.”

“Well four out of five isn’t bad,” Ace said.

“Oh ha-ha,” Boomer said realizing that was directed at him.

“I’m getting a hit,” Target announced.

Drilian attention returned to the screen, “That is the alloy signature. I can’t see an exact location from this altitude. We need to get lower.”

“We get any lower and we might as well be right on top of them,” Ace argued.

“Target,” Dan said to get out of this argument before it began, “download the sensor data to a couple of hand scanners. We’ll take the Hounds and get a lock on the position from the ground. Boomer you’re with me.”

“Right,” Boomer said getting out of his seat.

“Here they are,” Target held them out as they passed. In the cargo area each jumped into a hole in either side of the hold. Settling in both announced they were ready.

“Approaching hot drop height and speed,” Ace announced. “Hot dropping in three… two… one,” they braced for it, “now!” The floor beneath them dropped away the Machine Hounds dropped to the ground. As soon as they made contact Dan and Boomer headed off in different directions. The scanner in Dan’s hand started to beep faster the closer he got to the armor. When it started to get slower he stopped and held the scanner behind him.

“We got the armor pinpointed,” Target told him.

“Send us the coordinates,” Dan ordered. He had them in a matter of moments and turned the Hound around. He rode until he could see a compound of tents in the distance. Pulling out a set of binoculars he tried to get a look of the layout. “I see Xyon,” he announced. “One tent in particular looks heavily guarded. Chances are if he still has the armor it’s in there.”

“I see it,” Ace said.

“Captain Stevens,” Drilian cut in, “it is paramount we secure that location as soon as possible.”

“We’ll secure it Drilian,” Dan assured her. “We just need to plan this out.”

“Cap,” Boomer said over the line, “check out three o’clock.”

Dan scanned the area until he saw what Boomer was talking about. A figure wearing a cloak was walking toward the tent. Xyon went to greet him. Although the newcomer’s features were obscured he could see reptilian skin underneath the hood. “Why am I not surprised.”

***
“This way Agent Chatrox,” Xyon waddled toward the Batsuroid covered tent. “It’s in here.”

“I never would have guessed,” he sneered.

“The accommodations ain’t much but it gets the job done.” A couple of Batsuroids stepped as they entered the tent. Chatrox inhaled sharply as he saw the armor. Laying in a crate the dull grey metal was accented by a gold inlay and several jewels. His hand hovered over the armor almost itching in anticipation, one of the jewels alone looked like it would be worth a king’s ransom. “So do you believe it’s the real deal now?”

“I’ll find out soon enough.” Taking out the scanner he had with him he ran it over the suit. The results came back positive. His heart stated beating faster. “Now I believe.”

“So what are you going to pay me?”

“I’m not the one who’s going to do the paying,” Chatrox told him. Xyon sputtered for a response. After tiring of hearing it he informed him, “But I will assist you in selling it to the highest bidder. I already have a couple of buyers in mind. It’s just a matter of how much they are willing to pay for it. Or exactly how much of it they are willing to purchase.” He started walking round the crate taking holopictures. “You are going to be an extremely rich man.”

“Really now?”, Xyon asked. The tone in his voice put Chatrox on alert. “So why do I need you then?” Chatrox spun around and put the tip of his dagger at the Troblin’s throat before he could draw the blaster on his hip. He pressed it against his skin just hard enough for him to feel it, “Urk.”

“Because you buffoon I have the contacts who can afford such an item.” Putting a little more pressure against his skin he made the rotund little annoyance back up. “Now because you tried that little stunt I’m going to raise my seller’s fee to forty percent of your take.”

“F… Forty?”, he sputtered as he backed up against a table.

“I could go as high as fifty,” he threatened, “if not higher.”

“Forty’s good,” he squeaked.

“Fine,” the Agent said removing the dagger. “I’ll finish taking pictures then I’ll return to my ship and send them to the buyers. Then we’ll let the bidding commence.”

He stopped counting the credits rolling in his head when he heard something that sounded like a gunshot outside. Xyon went to the tent opening and saw one of his Batsuroid on the ground with a hole through it’s blue head. On a hill not far away Target lined up another shot with her sniper rifle and quickly dropped another one. “We are under attack,” proclaimed a third right before it’s head sparked as well.

“What the slag?”, Xyon said before the roar of the Hounds engines cut him off. Dan and Boomer fired the Hound’s laser at the bots in their way as they raced around the compound. Their Dekasuits provided the protection from any return fire. “You’re not taking my suit!”, Xyon shouted firing away.

“I challenge that claim,” Drilian said as she snuck up behind him. Before he could turn around she grabbed his wrist and flipped him to the ground with a bit of effort. Ace and Rev took care of a couple of Batsuroids that were trying to sneak up behind her. “My thanks for watching my back.”

“Our pleasure,” Ace said. More Batsuroids surrounded them. “I think I spoke too soon.” She and Rev had their Dekasuits, but Fourth Level Knight or not Drilian was pretty much unprotected. Thinking quick Ace handed her the D-Rod. “You used one of these before right?”

A sly smile graced her lips, “I believe I’ve handled something similar to this before.” She charged the Batsuroids before Ace and Rev said anything. They got off a couple of shots but Drilian was attacking the bots something fierce. Her finger had found the button that activated the energy field around the rod. A pink glow followed her arm as she slashed, hacked and jabbed at the Batsuroids. Ace and Rev stared in amazement as the last one fell to the ground defeated.

“Impressive,” Rev managed to get out.

“I’m afraid I must apologize,” she said handing the D-Rod back to Ace. “I rarely get an opportunity to utilize my training to its fullest. Facing the mechanicals I saw an opportunity to, I believe the phrase on your planet is to cut loose.”

“Not a problem,” Ace told her. “You ever thought about joining SPD?”

“Yes,” Rev agreed, “your skills would be most valuable.”

“You flatter me,” Drilian said with a blush. “Unfortunately my duty and loyalty is to my King and my planet.”

“Our loss then,” Ace said. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Xyon try to crawl away. “Oh no you don’t.” She and Rev quickly got in his way. He sputtered as he tried to speak. “Tell it to the License. Target orders.” The area went dark as the red X and blue circle flashed between them. After the scan was over the circle shined. “Apprehend target. Rev if you would?”

“Of course Trish,” he removed the D-Whoppers from his belt and slapped them around Xyon’s wrist.

“Drilian, somehow I get the feeling he’s going home with you,” Ace commented.

She gave him a dangerous grin that made him cower, “I certainly hope so.”

Dan and Boomer pulled up a moment later. “Camp’s clear,” Dan said. “Let’s secure the armor.” Drilian didn’t need to hear another word as she headed for the tent. Dan was in right behind her and immediately drew his D-Colt. The others came in doing the same with their D-Shooters. Chatrox stood by the armor holding a cylinder over it in his right hand. “Step away from the armor Chatrox,” Dan ordered.

“This,” he calmly said, “is a disintegration grenade. This is the pin for said grenade,” it dangled from a finger on his left hand. “If I drop the grenade in a matter of seconds this suit will be vaporized into atoms.”

“Do not dare villain,” Drilian demanded, but she hardly allowed herself to breath.

“I won’t as long as I’m allowed to leave unharmed.” Dan glanced over to Boomer for confirmation about the grenade. He nodded slowly, cursing under his breath he ordered for them to lower their weapons. Chatrox backed away until he was out of the tent. Dan bolted after him as soon as he did and looked around. The Agent was nowhere to be seen.

“Shit,” he cursed and grabbed his License, “Target did you see where the Agent went?”

“He faded from view the moment he exited,” she answered. “I’m sorry Cap but I have no idea where he went.”

He wanted to swear again but he already knew her answer before she even said anything. “It’s not your fault Target, he’s a tricky son of a bitch. Keep an eye out for anything vaporizing suddenly. He should be somewhere in that area.” Returning to the tent Drilian was eyeing the armor carefully. “Is it still in one piece?”

“It is,” she answered, “thanks the heavens above. You have my eternal thanks and appreciation for getting it back Captain Stevens.”

“Now we’ll take it, and we’re just doing our job.”

***
Drilain guarded the armor at OpsBase until they received word from her home planet that they were ready to transport the suit back. The Machine Tiger made the final leg of the journey from OpsStation to the Dextal royal ship. It softly landed in the hanger with several rows of soldiers and workers waiting for them. Drilian exited the Tiger accompanied by the Major, Dan and Ace as a couple of techs carefully guided the armor down the ramp. A Dextal stepped forward in regal robes and a silver crown on top of his head Drilian immediately went to a knee and bowed her head. Dan motion for him and Ace to do the same. “My Lord,” Drilian said with reverence, “my task is complete. My only fault is I did not return it to you sooner.”

“Arise Fourth Knight Drilian,” he said, “and knights of Earth as well.” Getting back up to their feet he continued, “Time has no meaning to the cosmos Drilian. I am grateful the armor was returned and that you have come back to us.” Drilian nodded and took her place beside him. “Major Pierce, your knights have my gratitude and eternal appreciation. I am aware the armor has monetary value elsewhere in the galaxy. But it has been in my family for generations. It value to me is greatly more.”

“It’s our pleasure to return the suit to you your majesty,” the Major said with a slight bow of his head.

“Hey let me go!”, Xyon demanded as he was dragged out of the Tiger. “I got my rights!”, he continued screaming as the soldiers took him from the techs and out of the hanger.

“Ah him,” the King said. “His punishment will not be as severe as if he took the armor himself. But it will be appropriate.” Looking over to Dan he mentioned, “Captain Stevens I am a mild acquaintance of a Commander in your organization named Trytan. Although he did not go into details he did mention he was highly impressed with a group of humans from Earth. It appears the praise was well earned.”

“We were just doing what was asked of us,” He told him.

“You do you and your organization proud Captain. Now I do not want to appear rude but I am anxious to return the armor home. Major, I wish you and your knights good travels.”

“Good Travels to you as well your majesty.” Dan and Drilian exchanged nods before both sides parted ways.

Aboard the Tiger Ace was warming up the engines with a smirk. Finally she said, “He called us knights.” She waved her hand in the air, “Lady Patricia Fieldman, I like the sound of that. Are female knights referred to as ‘lady’?”

“I’m not sure,” the Major told her taking Dan seat, “but if you guys are the knights I guess that makes me the king.” He leaned back looking smug.

Propping an elbow on the back of the chair Dan said, “Well you Lordship, before you let that go to your head I’ve been keeping a couple of stories under my belt. And they might accidently come out if the trip home becomes unbearable.”

Losing his smugness Pierce asked, “So what’s the ETA back home?”


-----
ED – Evanescence – Whisper
-----

Special Police Dekaops
32


-----
OP – Alter Bridge – Metalingus
-----


The sun made the ocean around them look like polished glass the waters was so calm. The wake from their boat was the only thing disrupting the effect. A few hastily attached patches hid the SPD logo that would have signaled who they were. Like always they weren’t real big on announcing their presence. Dan stood on the deck of a disguised Machine Swordfish and looked around him. “How close are we to the coordinates?”, he called back to the cabin.

“Start slowing down now,” Micelle called out while she stood at a table. A holographic map on it displayed their location in real time. An X in the middle marked their destination. Ace nodded and started to slow them down.

“I’m not getting anything on sensors yet,” Target said a Dan entered the cabin. “They were right about the interference in this area, it’s playing havoc with the readings. It’s a perfect spot alright.”

“Is there anything from the research station?”, he asked looking at Boomer. Shaking his head in the negative he went back to listening. “Nothing at all?”

“I’m not even getting a location beacon,” he said.

“Are we assuming worst case scenario?”, Ace asked.

“Not yet,” he said going over to the map. “It just might be equipment failure at this point.”

“I really hate to point out,” Ace continued, “the reason why we’re out here might be the reason why they’re having equipment failure.”

“I’m trying not to assume the worst,” he told her. And it was real easy to do that at this moment. Three hours ago the orbital sensors net received a hit on an incoming object. Various stations tracked it as it crashed into the ocean. They probably wouldn’t have even been called out here if it wasn’t for two things. One, the object appeared to slow down and change direction right before it made the plunge into the water. And two, it landed very near to an underwater research station. It was a joint operation by earth scientists and some of the galactic scientific community to find a new source of energy. Apparently Earth’s ‘backwater’ status, as well as this particular area, made it the ideal hiding space for the project. And that station hadn’t been heard from since the splashdown.

Michelle went to work first trying to see if the object was adding to the local interference. Then the decision was made to send them in. The Major got into contact with Meng Yeow and secured the use of one of the Swordfish they had docked. Which brought them to the here and now.

“I don’t want to go in gun blazes,” Dan continued, “if all this object took out was their communication system.”

“Which pretty much means we’re wasting our time if it did,” Ace commented.

“Hey if worse comes to worse we just took Rev on his first deep diving trip,” Boomer chimed in.

“And I’m sure Command will love to hear that,” Ace said.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” Rev said as he sat in the corner and studied the manuals of the equipment they would be using to get to the station.

“I know,” Ace admitted, “I just hate going in blind.”

“I thought that’s what you guys did best,” Michelle smirked. “Ok we’re there.” Ace brought them to a complete stop and dropped anchor to keep them in place. “I’m not reading any extra radiation or interference.”

“Send a message to the station,” Dan told Boomer. “See if they respond to that.”

“You got it,” Boomer said. “Research Station Tango this is SPD Swordfish Four, over.” Waiting a few moments he repeated the message.

“Target, launch a sensor probe,” Dan ordered after a few minutes.

“Rodger,” she complied. “Probe away.” Michelle manipulated the holomap so they could see the sensor reading. It wasn’t long before they were seeing the sensor outline of the station dome itself.

Michelle brought up a holoimage of the station and superimposed it the sensor reading. “The comm. antenna is located on top of the dome,” she said pointing out the three spires with several satellite dishes. “We’re not getting a sensor hit on that.”

“Was it torn off by the object?”, Rev said as he joined them at the table.

“I can’t say,” she said. “The damage is too irregular based on the readings.”

“Is there any sort of damage to the dome itself?”, Dan asked. That was his biggest fear at the moment, that whatever the object was hit the dome and caused catastrophic failure to the structure.

“I can’t tell from these readings,” Michelle said. “Target can you get the probe closer?”

“Yeah give me a moment,” she said. The dome’s image started to get closer then it disappeared completely. “What the hell?”, she exclaimed.

“What happened?”, Dan demanded.

“We lost contact with the probe,” she said. “I’m not sure what caused it.”

“We’re going to find out,” he said. “Suit up, we’re heading down there.”

***
In no time the five of them were dressed in wetsuits, each wearing one similar colors to their Dekasuits. The gathered at the aft of the ship and helped each other with their SCUBA gear. “I sent the Major a message about what’s going on,” Michelle said as she stood by. “He said to remind you to stay in constant contact with the Swordfish.”

“Me and Michelle ran some simulations on the Licenses,” Boomer told them. “Every test says we shouldn’t have a problem but we won’t know for sure until we have to be in that situation that will need them.”

“Right,” Dan said. “Keep your eyes open for anything. But don’t fire at anything until you’re sure of intent.” Dan fingered the specialty designed SP-Shooter strapped to his hip. It was suppose to be able to fire underwater but it hadn’t been tested in field conditions yet. The same went with the rest of their equipment if they had to activate the suits. Lowering the goggles and putting the facemask over his mouth Dan sat on the edge and fell backwards into the water. The station was reachable by swimming underwater so they didn’t need any specialized deep diving equipment. But they were using some underwater sleds Michelle put in earlier to get there faster. The others were in right after, Boomer deciding to do a cannonball dive. “Worse than a four year old.”

“Target,” Ace called out. She promptly punched him in the arm the moment he popped up. He complained for a moment before a look from Dan shut him up.

“Let’s get going,” Dan ordered. Activating the sleds they headed for the station. Ready for an early attack he was caught off guard when he saw Rev thrashing around. Boomer and Ace were able to grab his arms and with some effort they were able to win to the surface. Dan and Target followed them up.

“What’s going on?” Michelle asked leaning over the railing.

“Rev what happened?”, Dan asked swimming over.

“I… I am not sure,” he said still sounding panicky.

“Breath Rev breath,” Ace said trying to get him to calm down.

“I felt an overwhelming feeling of dread,” he explained after getting himself under control. “I was not feeling it before we went under and I am not feeling it now. I can’t explain it but I let the fear get to me.” Dan looked at the other but they said they didn’t feel anything, neither did he.

“Do you want to give it another go?”, Boomer asked him. Rev nodded. They went under again, this time the others kept an eye on him. He got a little deeper this time but it happened again. Surfacing again Rev smacked the water in frustration. “Easy there Rev, there’s no need to lose your cool.”

“I know Robert but this has never happen to me before. I thought concentrating on my antenna would help but it did not.”

“Rev,” Michelle called out looking thoughtful, “Your planet’s pretty barren right? There hardly any water anywhere?”

“That is correct Michelle,” he said. “The bodies of water we do have are considered sacred and are not to be entered by anyone.”

“So you’ve never been underwater before?” He shook his head in the negative.

Target seemed to know what she was going, “You think Rev has a phobia of being underwater?”

“It fits,” Michelle said. “My late husband didn’t know he had a fear of flying until we were on the plane heading to our honeymoon.”

“Rev I want you to sit this one out,” Dan told him.

Rev protested, “Captain I can do my duty.”

“Rev until we know for sure it’ll be better if you stayed topside with Michelle.”

“I understand Captain,” Rev said as he headed for the Swordfish.

“It’s nothing personal Rev,” Dan said following him for a bit. “But until we know for sure…”

“You do not need the distraction,” he finished for him.

“There’s another wetsuit below deck,” Michelle said. “I can throw it on real quick.”

“No, we can do it with four,” Dan told her.

“Ok,” she said. “Maybe I convince Rev to sit at the controls while I work on my tan,” she joked. Dan shot her a look. “Wow, you really are all business on the job aren’t you?”

“Let’s go guys,” Dan said and they dove underwater one more time.

Rev removed the SCUBA gear and sat there on the bench sullen as his antenna drooped. “Rev it happens,” Michelle said trying to comfort him. “If I know Dan he’s going to try and help you beat this as soon as the mission over.”

“I know but I feel as if I let them down.”

“Rev you didn’t know,” she told him. “Look at it this way, now you can keep me some company because it was going to be as boring as hell up here by myself.” He grunted but he didn’t look convinced.

***
Dan hated to do it but he had to do what was best for the team and the mission. He tried not to dwell on it but damn it he hated leaving an able bodied man behind. He was so caught up in it he almost didn’t notice there was no ocean life anywhere. This was bad, there should have been a school of fish or two swimming around at least. Ace tapped his arm and pointed ahead of them, the dome was in sight. It was mainly gunmetal gray with the occasional window of pressure resistant glass scattered about to give the inhabitants a view of the outside. Stopping the sled he pressed his fingers around his neck and activated the throat mike, “Swordfish four come in.”

“I’m here Dan,” Michelle said after a moment, “what’s the situation?”

“I’m seeing scorch marks on the outside of the dome form here. I’m not really seeing a hatch on this side though.”

“Be careful Dan, whatever made those marks might have taken out the probe.”

“Understood,” he called back.

“Cap,” Boomer cut in, “eight o’clock and down.” Dan looked down and to his left and saw a group of Anaroids come at them. Each had a pack on their packs on their backs that propelled them foreword and all carried some kind of underwater rifle. The bots took aim and started firing. They drew their SP-Shooters and started firing at the bots and avoiding the shots. Boomer stopped firing and held his hand to his ear. “Cap I’m getting an incoming transmission.”

“I’m hearing it,” he grunted while trying to avoid the energy bolts coming at him. “Michelle see if you can figure out what the voice is saying.”

“On it,” she answered. Before long she pulled up the transmission they were getting.

“The voice is telling you to head toward airlock seventeen,” Rev said after a moment.

“Where’s that?”, Ace demanded.

“I’m pulling up a schematic,” Michelle said as her fingers danced over the controls. “Found it. The airlock is right in front of you. It should be the first door you see as you approach the dome.”

Target got a little closer to the dome as she avoided the fire, “I think I see it.”

“Head for it!”, Dan ordered. The pushed the sleds to full speed and raced for the dome. This went against everything his gut was telling him but now was not the time to find out if the OpsLicenses would work under water or not. They fired behind themselves every so often to keep the bots from getting a clear shot at them. About three quarters of the way there the exterior hatch of the airlock started to open. Willing the sleds to go faster they entered the dome. Inside Dan and the other turned around and started firing at will at the Anaroids to keep them at bay until the door closed.

When it did there was clanking sound as the pumps kicked in and drained the water out. When it was done they took off the face mask and goggles as the interior doors started to open. A couple of scientist wearing light gray jumpsuits and whit lab coats looked grateful to see them. One, an Orion with blue skin, white hair and these antenna looking things on his head, stepped forward, “Dr. Sauron, and I am very glad to see you.”

“Captain Dan Stevens, SPD,” he said extending a hand. “I hate to sound rude but what the hell is going on?”

“Something I should have kept quiet about,” Sauron admitted. “Or at least I should have only told some of the few people I know I can trust completely. I assume you’re aware of our work down here?”

“Yeah you’re trying to come up with some alternate energy sources,” Ace said.

“That was the goal, and still is,” the doctor said. “Unfortunately with science you occasionally discover something you never intended to find.”

“So what did you find?”, Dan asked.

“I’m sorry to admit that during one experiment we accidently discovered a way to counterfeit Latinum.”

“How good a quality?”, Dan asked afraid of the answer. Latinum was one of the more stable currencies in the galaxy. One of the reasons why was the makeup was so unique it was nearly impossible to reproduce. And those who tried ended up with a substance that was often worth less than the materials it was made from.

“Nearly perfect I’m sorry to say. Unless you know what to look for it’s almost identical to the real thing.”

“And then you went and told the wrong person,” Ace said figuring out where this was going.

Sauron nodded, “The Tranvian I shared a lab with. Funny enough he was the one who convinced me to be quiet about it in the first place. Then we caught him making unauthorized transmissions a couple of days ago.”

“Where’s the Tranvain now?” Dan asked.

“After we discovered him he became violent. We were able to subdue him and lock him in a supply closet.”

“Ace, Boomer secure the Tranvian,” Dan ordered.

“Rodger,” she replied before asking a couple of the scientist to show them the way.

“I’m guessing the welcoming committee we encountered was the result of that call,” Target said.

“I’m afraid so. They came without warning as they say. They took out the antenna first so we couldn’t call for help. We were able to jury rig an emergency transmitter out of some spare parts, but the range is very limited.”

“Doesn’t this place have a back up transmitter?”, she asked.

“We did,” he answered. “It’s were we found my former lab mate. He was able to damage it beyond repair before we could stop him.”

“So the next question is,” Dan said, “was who did he call?”

“A relative of his,” Sauron answered, “well that’s the best we could get out of him. He stopped speaking basic and started yelling at us in his own tongue as soon as we locked him into the closest. And none of us here is exactly fluent in his language.”

“Attention scientist,” a gravelly voice said over the loudspeakers. “This is your final warning. Surrender my cousin and the Latinum maker. I repeat this is your final warning.” An electronic squeal later the transmission was over.

“The relative I’m assuming,” Dan said.

“You would be correct,” Sauron answered. “He’s been doing that every twenty minutes or so. Although the final part is new.”

“He might be ready to make his move,” Dan said, thinking out loud. “Do you have any idea where he might be coming from?”

“There’s been a lot of activity on the west side of the dome,” one of the others said. “It looks like they’re building something.”

***
“Say cheese,” Boomer said as he held his License at the window and took a scan. On the other side of the window, illuminated by the station lights and some external lights of it’s own, was a structure that was about quarter the size of a standard space cruiser. The nose was a concave plate with a device that looked a bit like a hatch. Anaroids hovered around it while a being in a deep diving suit pointed and gave directions. Boomer took another scan when he turned around and looked in their direction, his face lighted by the interior lights of the helmet. “I’m sending the images to you Michelle.”

“I got them,” she said after a moment. “I’m running the ring leader’s image through the database now.”

“I recognize that vehicle,” Rev said over the line. “I believe that is what they call a ‘Hull Cracker’. They were originally used in ship deconstruction yards, but pirates have found a way to modify the technology to raid the space lanes.”

“And you thought you weren’t going to be useful on the mission,” Michelle said with a grin.

“So the dude out there is a pirate?”, Boomer asked.

“And he seeing an unlimited supply of treasure just in his grasp,” Dan said. “I’m guessing he had a hard time getting the cutting devices to work underwater, that’s why he was giving out warnings. We got to stop that thing before he gets going.”

“I have an ID on the pirate,” Michelle announced. “He’s known as Greeneye, because he has one green eye apparently. The database doesn’t have a real name. The Tranvian government doesn’t like to give out the names of it’s citizens to the authorities for some reason. He relatively new from the look of things.”

Dan watched the Anaroids float out there. “Michelle I need you to run a couple of simulations for me.”

“Do you want to know how long it will take that thing to pierce the dome?”, she asked.

“Not exactly,” he replied. “I think it’s time to jump straight to plan B.”

***
“I swear you Deka are crazy,” Sauron said as he followed them to the nearest airlock. “You’re going to head out there and face that thing. And your SCUBA gear is in the other airlock.”

“We’re not going to need it,” Dan told him.

“I worked on the transmitter you built,” Boomer said. “We should be able to talk to you now but the range isn’t much better. But we’re going to tell you when it’s safe to come out and help get some replacement gear.”

“And you have my eternal thanks but…”

“Dr. Sauron we have a job to do,” Dan told him when they reached the airlock. “Now once the interior hatch closes I need you and the others to go deeper inside the station and into the most secure area you have. We’ll let you know when it’s safe to come out.”

“I understand Captain,” he reluctantly said. Once they entered the airlock Sauron hit the switch the closed the interior hatch, “Good luck.”

“Thanks,” Dan told him. In moments the door sealed shut with a hiss and water started to be pumped inside. Facing the exterior hatch they took their OpsLicense from behind their backs, “Change standby.”

“I hope this works,” Ace commented.

“So do I,” Dan told her. “Emergency! DekaOps!” With a quick digital flash the Dekametal formed around them and into their suits. Raising their hands above their head they hit the button one more time, “EXO mode!”

Standing in a digital field they lowered their License and held it in front of them. A grid came from the badge that ran up their arm and covered their bodies. The grid started to expand and change shape as Dekametal came from the field and started filling it in, forming black armor plating on the bodies. Rockets appeared on their backs a breathing device formed on the lower half of their helmets. A colored number burned into the left side of their chest and the attached the Licenses into a slot on the right.

“Ops1 locked in.”

“Ops2 locked in.”

“Ops4 locked in.”

“Ops5 locked in.”

The exterior hatched opened after the airlock filled all the way. The four of them stood there for a moment. A few of the Anaroids saw the hatch open up and headed in their direction. By the Hull Cracker Greeneye watched and sent a few more to help with the assault. “Our main target’s the Cracker,” Dan said. “We have to disable that thing before it can get to the station. Go!” The main rockets on their back came to life and they flew out of the hatch. Boomer and Target shot straight through the Anaroids as Dan and Ace maneuvered to the sides. Drawing his D-Colt he fired at some Anaroids that turned to follow Boomer and Target. A couple of them started to swarm around him. Flipping a switch with his thumb he fired again. He didn’t exactly get the desired effect. He was able to back away from a group tackle at the last second, “What a time to find out the Multishot doesn’t work underwater.” So he punched the closest bot in the face instead.

Ace was having better luck with her D-Rod. The water bubbles slightly around the pink glow of the energy field as she cut through the Anaroids. Zigging and Zagging through the bots with ease she slashed away. Seeing a large group coming at her she headed straight for the middle. With her arm outstretched corkscrewed through them. The bots sparked in several places as the D-Rod hit them repeatedly. Ace took a moment to admire what she’d done and smile to herself, “Gotta love it.”

“You have any idea how we’re suppose to stop that thing?” Target asked as they broke through the Anaroid field.

“We put some explosives on that hatch on the plate and blow it to make it usless.”

“Won’t that damage the environment around here?”, she said while quickly turning around and took out a couple of Anaroids on their tail. “We don’t even know what’s on the other side of that door.”

“It’s better than my other plan of flooding the reactor core. Who know how leaky that thing is.”

“Good point. You set the charges I’ll cover you.”

“Works for me.” Boomer shot ahead as target slowed down. D-Shooter in hand she picked her shots as the Anaroids came near. Boomer took the opening she gave him to place a few underwater charges he had with him on the hatch and the cutter assembly around it. Setting the last charge he activated the timer and shot out of there. Target saw him leave and joined him. A few seconds later the charges blew the hatch was ripped open and the cutters around it were destroyed.

“Bastards!”, Greeneye shouted as he gave chase. In his right hand an energy blade sparked to life.

“Shit he’s got a sword,” Boomer cried out as he looked down.

“No you don’t!”, Dan said as he and Ace intercepted him mid flight. Greneye tried to swing his blade at them in retaliation. Ace backed away while Dan used the secondary jets on his shoulders and waist to avoid the slashes.

“Bastard stay still!”, he demanded getting frustrated.

“Yeah like that’s going to happen,” Ace told him as she came in with a kick to the gut. He surprised her with a slash right at her head. Dan was able to block it with his D-Rod. Ace grabbed him and started spinning round while keeping a grip on his diving suit. Letting go Greeneye swore loudly as he tumbled toward the Cracker. A dull thud could be heard through the water as he crashed into it.

Heading for the Cracker themselves Dan and Ace used the magna boots to secure themselves to the hull. Removing his License from the slot Dan switched it to Judge and held it before him, “Target orders.” A red X and blue circle started to flash between them. Before long the red x shined. “Eliminate target.” Greeneye activate the pack on his back and tried to get out of there. “D-Cannons.” Reaching behind their heads the left rocket pod open revealing the bazooka like weapon. Grabbing the handle they pulled it down over their shoulder. “Sight up,” a targeting reticule in their visor turned green when it locked onto him. “Strikeout!” Firing two massive beams Greeneye was deleted. “Got you.”

“That seemed easier than usual,” Ace commented.

“Say that after we finish off the rest of the bots,” Dan told her.

***
“What’s the mission status?”, the Major asked over the comm. link.

“The problem has been taken care of,” Michelle told him. “Dan thought it would be a good idea to hang around and help clean the area of Anaroid bits.” He nodded. “Boomer also checked out the Cracker while they were down there. He and Ace thinks they can salvage the communication gear and hook it up so the scientist can use it until their replacement gear arrives.”

Again he nodded, “Sounds good to me. Is the Tranvian who brought them there in custody?”

“He’s currently secured in the hold below deck,” she answered.

“Excellent. So what’s the ETA for all of that?”

“The Anaroid cleanup is currently underway and Ace estimates it’s going to take a couple of hours to get the comm. gear out and put into the station.”

“Alright I’ll see you when you get back. OpsBase out.”

As the image faded away Target stepped toward her. “The scientists are helping with the clean up so that’s almost done. And Ace said it would take about thirty minutes, forty-five tops.”

“It’s a gorgeous day and you’re complaining about a little extra free time.” Getting up she grabbed a full body towel and put on a pair of sunglasses. “Now if you’ll excuse me I have a tan that I need to work on.”

“Don’t let it be said I didn’t try to fit in,” Target said following her out.

In the ocean Rev held onto a raft filled with various robot parts. Dan came up and threw an arm onto the pile. “I think that’s about it,” he said lowering the facemask.

“I wish I was of more help Captain,” Rev said. “I thought I could handle this particular assignment.”

“Small steps Rev,” Dan told him as he grabbed the raft. “Everybody afraid of something and you can’t conquer your fears overnight. Trust me I know.”

“I’m surprised you have any fears at all,” Rev commented. “I’ve rarely seen you bat an eye on any assignment we’ve been on.”

“Yeah well I do.”

“May I ask what that is?”

Dan looked unsure at first. Then he looked around before leaning in, whispering, “Escalators.” He tried to explain when Rev just looked at him. “I don’t know what it is. I’ve never been hurt on one. I don’t even know anybody hurt by one. But they just freak me the fuck out. When I was younger it would take me a good five minutes just to set a foot on one.”

“And now?”

“I’m a little better than what I was, although I’ll still hesitate a little before I do. But honestly if I have a choice I’m taking the stairs or the elevator.” He pointed a finger at him, “And this stays between you and me, am I clear Rev?”

“Perfectly Captain.”

“Good, I’d never hear the end of it if Boomer found out. Come on, let’s get this load to the Swordfish.”

“Should I mention now that Trish is planning on replacing the entrance ramp of the Shepard with such a device?”

“That ain’t funny Rev,” Dan quickly said. Rev just smiled behind his back.


-----
ED – Evanesces – Whisper
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Special Police DekaOps
33


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OP - Alter Bridge - Metalingus
-----


She wasn’t sure how he was pulling it off but Michelle was always glad when she and Dan could get some time alone away from base. Especially on a day like today. The sun was shining, the weather was pleasant. It was the perfect day to do nothing but walk around town. Of course she’d stop every so often when something in a store window caught her eye. Depending on what it was Dan would either join her or say something real fast and just hang back until she was done. There as a bit of an awkward moment when they passed a jewelry store and she caught him staring at the engagement rings that were on display. Both of them looked at each then quickly continued on to the next store. “How was you talk with Barry last night?”, she asked.

“You know,” he answered, “just a couple of army buddies just exchanging stories.”

“I bet your stories were a little more exciting,” she teased.

“Eh, we’re just shooting the bull.”

“I still can’t believe he caught you using your License.”

“You’re the one who called me,” he told her. “At least I could stop lying about what I’m doing now. At least to Barry, I don’t know if he’s told Paula yet. They still want us over for dinner by the way.”

“The moment you can clear our schedule,” she joked. “Or at least convince command to ease up on the computer or criminal updates.”

“You’re going to have to talk to the Alienizers about that last one.” The jewelry store long forgotten they kept talking until they came noticed a commotion across the street. Dan went on the alert almost immediately looking for any sign of trouble. Then they noticed the TV cameras and a particularly loud jacket. Dan immediately went from alert to annoyed in record time, “I thought he left town.”

“He did,” Michelle said. “I guess he weaseled his way back in.” The ‘he’ in question was one John McGee, ‘reporter’ for the tabloid television show Inside Extra. Not to mention the self proclaimed hunter of the mystery Deka unit. “Last I heard they pulled him from the story because he was racking up a fortune on the show’s credit line. On top of that he wanted to put out a reward for any footage of you guys.”

“How much?”, Dan asked.

“From the rumors I heard, a half a mil.” Dan whistled. “That was the last I heard of him until now.”

“It wasn’t long enough.”

“Hey you!”, they looked around until they saw a fat man with a headset around his neck wave at them.

“Keep going maybe he’ll go away,” Dan mumbled. To his dismay the man chased after them.

“Hey wait up,” he said getting in front of them. “I’m the producer on this segment. Would you guys like to be on TV?”

“No thanks,” Dan quickly told him. “We’re in a hurry…”

“Phil what’s the hold up?”, McGee demanded as he stormed over with a cameraman following him. “Those jackasses only gave us a couple of days in this crap town. We can’t afford to waste time with the twits.”

“I’m trying to talk them into being interviewed,” Phil said. McGee attitude changed immediately.

“Jerry set up right here.”

“Really we don’t have the…,” about then Dan noticed Michelle had separated herself from the pack. She shrugged as he looked at her. “I really don’t have the time.”

“Of course you do,” McGee said. “You’ll be on television and you’ll be famous with all your friends.” The camera guy said they were filming and McGee looked into the lens. “This is John McGee doing man on the street interviews. Today we’re asking the everyman for their comments about the mysterious Deka unit. Considered to be a myth or an urban legend sightings of this unit has been more and more frequent and widespread as of late. With me is…,” he looked over at Dan.

“Steve,” he lied.

“Steve, now Steve SPD has supposedly been upfront with everything but rumors of this unit still persist. Now what do you make of this highly suspicious situation?”

“The more Deka the better,” he said. That stunned McGee enough for him to get away. Michelle held back a bit just to see what McGee would do before heading after him. “I am so going to get you back for that,” Dan told her.

“You or ‘Steve’,” she teased.

***
In his office Dan tried to get that day’s paperwork done. After awhile he figured Ace must be satisfied with how the Machine Tiger was progressing because he found five request forms for parts for the Machine Shepard mixed into his daily reports. Looking at the one in his hand he said, “I really didn’t miss seeing these.” Putting it with the others he went over the rest of the reports. Then he found a sixth. About then the Major walked in and saw it in his hand. He turned around to walk back out the door but Dan stopped him, “Is there something I can do for you sir?”

“Ace has been making up for lost time,” he said. Dan wasn’t amused. “I just got word from the locals. People have been turning up missing, almost like they’ve been abducted into the sky.”

“Do they have any proof of that?”, Dan asked.

“Nothing concrete,” he answered. “Just various reports of people being there one moment and gone the next. It’s happening often enough that it popped up on our radar. I thought it would e a good idea to check it out in case there is some Alienizer involvement.”

“The job would be easier if McGee wasn’t in town,” Dan said. “He’s going to be all over it if he heard about it.”

“Michelle told me he was back in town,” Pierce said. “Well all I can tell you is avoid him if you can. We don’t have any contacts in Inside Extra so I can’t do anything if he gets any footage of you.”

“We’ll do what we can,” Dan said. He just happened to glance down at the remaining paperwork and saw a familiar looking piece of paper sticking out. Before the Major could get up he pulled out a seventh request form and held it in front of him. “Now about these little extras you’re sneaking into my pile.”

“I love to stay and chat but I’m expecting a call from Helen,” Pierce said as he got out of there as fast as his bad leg could take him.

“I’m not done talking about this.

“I’m done listening,” The Major said as he exited the office.

After the door closed Dan muttered, “I am going to talk Michelle into doing things on top of your desk.”

***
“I knew it was a good idea to come back,” McGee said. In his hand was a police file he was able to get from an officer in need of a little extra cash. In motel room he was sharing with Phil and Jerry he leaned back on the bed and stretched out. “These disappearances are just what the doctor ordered. That Deka unit has to come out for this one.”

“They better,” Phil said from the desk in the room. “I had to sweat talk Terri into giving this amount of time. And she only agreed to that because I said we’d pay for our own expenses.”

“That’s not in my contract,” McGee told him. “My expenses are paid for by the show.”

“Within reason,” he reminded him. “We wasted so much time here last time they’re reevaluating your credit line.”

“I’m their number one guy, they’re not going to do anything.”

“You were their number one guy. You hunted this phantom unit for so long the stories you usually got went to the others. Your star is starting to fall, quickly from what I’m hearing.”

“Don’t you worry,” McGee said. “All of that is going to change as soon as we get those bastards on film. They are going to be on their hands and knees begging for forgiveness.”

“It must be great living in your fantasy world,” Phil told him.

“Just do your job,” McGee snapped, “and be grateful if I consider taking you with me. After I break this all of the networks are going to want a piece of me.”

***
“Anything?”, Ace asked Target. She answered with a head shake. Cap had told them what was going on in the city with the disappearances. Given the circumstances both Rev and Michelle theorized that a transporter of some sort might be being used to nab the victims. So Cap had them split up and go over the places people were being reported disappearing from. The working theory was that if it was a transporter there’d be some stray energy readings at the site. She couldn’t say anything about Cap and the others but so far they were getting zip.

“Maybe this thing is broken,” Target offered. Ace doubted it, they calibrated that scanner before they left. Not getting anything from here they headed for the next location. Thinking out loud Target said, “Maybe these guys are using a cloaking field or something.”

“I thought that at first too,” Ace said, “but a cloaking field needs a lot of power. And the less moving parts the better. A captive would be trying to get away so you’d see an outline while the field was trying to compensate.”

“Well it was a thought,” Target said.

“But,” Ace continued, “from what I understand a transporter needs a lot of power too. So there has to be some sort of emitter somewhere. I can’t see whoever it is just trying to grab people blind.”

“Michelle already checked that,” she told her. “There hasn’t been any noticeable spike on the power grid anywhere. And a hand held unit is too unstable and the range isn’t that great.”

“Which leads me to a possible third option.”

“A cloaked ship with a transporter?”, Target finished for her.

“Right in one,” Ace said. “It would have to have a massive engine to support both. And an engine would leave some kind of trail.”

“The scanner in Target’s pocket beeped. “We got a hit. I’m running it through the database back at OpsBase now.”

“Ops5 to Ops1,” Ace spoke into her License.

“Stevens here, go.”

“We might have a hit. Target is doing an analysis now.”

“OpsBase here,” Michelle called in. “Sorry to cut into the conversation but I got a hit on that reading Target just sent in. It is a transporter field energy signature. Unfortunately it’s one used by several different species so it’s going to be hard to narrow down.”

“Is there any way to track that energy signature?” Dan asked.

“Not unless it’s in use,” she told him. “I had the same problem with Waven’s transporter remember.”

“I was kind of out of it for most of that one,” Dan reminded her.

“Well it’s the best I can do at this point is to use this to find the other spots people have been taken from. That way we can find out their preferred hunting ground.”

“Michelle,” Ace spoke up, “see if you can pick up any stray energy trails above those spots while you’re at it.”

“You got an idea Ace?”, Dan asked.

“Just a flimsy hunch at this point.”

“It’s better than what I got at the moment. Michelle can you do it?”

“I’m checking now,” she responded. “I’m picking up some faint reading across the area but nothing I can pinpoint right now.”

“I hate to say it,” Dan said, “but we might have to wait until somebody else gets grabbed.”

“I really hope it doesn’t come to that,” Ace told him.

“So do I Ace, Stevens out.”

“He might be right,” Target said as she closed her License.

“I know,” Ace admitted, “but the idea just sucks.” Target nodded in agreement as they continued down the street.

***
“Hey I think I know that dweeb,” McGee said from the backseat as he pointed toward a blond haired man in a bomber jacket. The car was going too fast for him to get a good look at the guy with him in the green hoodie. But the other guy in the Laker gear was hard to miss.

“I think that’s the guy you tried to interview yesterday,” Phil said trying to get a good look.

“Oh yeah him, how did that dweeb get on the broadcast? He made me look like an idiot.”

“We were able to get a grand total of five people on film,” Phil told him. “We needed him to keep the segment running the length Terri wanted.”

“I swear nobody wants to be on television anymore,” McGee moaned. “Damn internet.”

“Well we got time for a few more location shots before we got to leave tomorrow.”

“Now wait a damn second Phil,” McGee said nearly jumping out of the backseat. “Who said we’re leaving tomorrow?”

“This is all the time I was able to get,” Phil reminded him for the umpteenth time. “Terri wants the camera back by tomorrow night. I’m sorry John but it’s the end of the road for this one.”

“God damn bitch is trying to ruin me,” McGee fumed. “Let’s get those damn shots done with. I got some words for her when I get back.”

“Oh I can’t wait for that performance,” Phil dryly said. There Jerry stopped the car and they piled out. McGee got into position and waited and waited and waited.

“What’s the hell is the hold up?” McGee demanded.

“This damn antique they set us up with,” He answered. “It won’t come on.”

“Oh for the love of…,” McGee tore it out of his hands, “Give it here Jerry. “ Pounding on power button he grunted, “Work you stupid piece of…” Then he disappeared.

“Oh boy,” Phil murmured

McGee found himself on a ship surrounded by people in glass tubes. Some were scared while others were pleading for help. He looked in front of him to see a robot with a spiky head come at him. First he said, “Shit,” and then he did it.

***
Michelle station started to go off as they got a new energy reading from the transporter. Getting that location she checked the area for that energy trail Ace was talking about and found it. More importantly she could track it. “OpsBase to Ops1, we got this one on sensors and are currently tracking their energy trail.”

“Good work Michelle. Keep tracking it until it lands. If we’re lucky we can get them with their pants down.”

“OpsBase out,” Michelle said. Looking at the blip on her screen all she could say was, “Sorry they had to nab you, whoever you are.” A bit later she got the police report on the kidnapping, the victim was one John McGee. “Maybe I’m not that sorry.”

***
With Michelle tracking the energy trail Dan and his group headed for the spot Ace said they’d picked them up with the jeep. Of course part of him really wanted to turn around and head home when he found out who the latest victim was. But he told himself he had a job to do and that he was a little more concerned about the previous victims. “OpsBase to Ops1.”

“What is it Michelle?”, Dan answered.

“The energy trail landed at an old refinery about a mile outside of town.”

“I know where it is,” Boomer said. “Lisa’s Uncle used to work there.”

“Right,” Dan said. “Keep an eye on that place Michelle, let us know if it takes off again.”

“You got it, OpsBase out.”

“Tell me how to get there Boomer,” Ace told him. Traffic seemed to going against them but they finally got there. Fortunately whoever it was didn’t leave the refinery yet. Finding a hole in the fence Dan had them search for an area big enough to fit Ace’s idea of how big the ship would have to be. They found it pretty fast, in fact the ship was uncloaked and they were currently unloading their “cargo”, humans in containment tubes.

“Hurry up and get them out,” An Igadroid ordered to the Anaroids unloading the ship. “The ship needs to be refueled afterwards before we can do another run.” While he was barking orders a fish like alien walked up behind him, a respirator like device around the gill like slits on his neck.

With a gurglely like voice it asked, “All is going well?”

“For the most part,” the Igadroid said. At his command two Anaroids struggled to get McGee, who was still clutching the camera, out of the ship. “This one has proven to be more problematic than the others.”

Fishman looked him over, “He looks weak for the slave trade, and too old. Eliminate him.”

“Now wait a minute,” McGee said after finding his voice. “I’m with the press damn it, you can’t get rid of me.”

Fishman looked at him with those huge eyes, “Eliminate him immediately.”

“I know I’m going to regret this,” Dan muttered while taking out his License. “Change standby. Emergency! DekaOps!” McGee started cowering away from Fishman and the Igadroid while one of the Anaroids went down. The three of them looked over to see a female figure in a blue and black Dekasuit take aim and drop another one as four more were charging the group.

“I knew it,” McGee said as he started working on the camera in his hands.

“Ace, Rev,” Dan ordered, “get those people out of those tubes, Boomer, Target provide cover fire.”

“Rodger,” the four answered.

“Stop them!” Fishman ordered. The Igadroid lead the counter charge as both group met. Target ran behind Boomer. He stopped and she leaped up and jumped off his shoulder. Above the Anaroids she fired at will before landing. Boomer tackled one of the two Anaroids that tried to surround her while she swept the leg out from the other one.

“This is great stuff,” McGee said after he got the camera working. He was drooling at the footage he was getting. That bitch would bend over backwards to keep him happy now.

Ace and Rev made their way to the closest tube after getting past the Anaroids. The woman inside was pounding on the glass begging them to get her out. “I hope you got an idea on how to crack this thing,” Ace told him.

“I am familiar with the device,” he answered. “It was originally a medical aid…”

“Can you open it?”, Ace cut him off. She didn’t want to be rude but they didn’t have time for a history lesson in a middle of a fight. Without another word Rev reached for the base and hit something. A moment later a previous invisible seam opened up. “Rev I love you.”

“You have my humble appreciation Trish.”

The woman rushed out and hugged Rev around the neck, “Thank you thank you thank you!”

“Human interest,” McGee said as he recorded the moment, “who cares.” He proceeded to point the lens elsewhere.

Dan was having a harder time with this Igadroid. This one was obviously programmed to fight hand to hand. In fact it was barely giving him any time to react. Stay on the defensive Dan was slowly being pushed back. Finally he was able to fool the AI by moving in a way it didn’t count on. He used that moment to draw his D-Colt but the Igadroid grabbed his wrist. “Uh,” Dan grunted as the pressure increased. Eventually his hand opened and he dropped the gun. The Igadroid punched him, Dan spun with it his hand going for his pack. As he fell he pulled out his holdout D-Shooter and fired twice. Both bullets penetrated the Igadroid’s head. It stood there for a moment before falling back.

“I’m going to get an Emmy, a Peabody, a Pulitzer. Hell they’re going to have to invent an award for this.”

Fishman came at Dan with a crowbar in his hands. Boomer cut him off giving Target just enough time to shot it out of his hand. Not wasting anytime Dan whipped out his OpsLicense and switched it to Judge, “Target orders.” The area around them went dark as a red X and blue circle flashed between them until only the X remained. “Eliminate target.” The three of them locked their License into their D-Shots and took aim, “Strikeout!” And Fishman was no more, “Got you.”

“I’m never going to have to work again!”, McGee exclaimed. A little too loudly because they looked right at him, “Shit.”

Before he could run out of there with the camera Boomer caught up with him and took it out of his hands, “Wow this is old. Whoa who crapped their pants?”

“Hey!”, McGee protested while trying to get it back.

Opening it up he took out the film inside,” Hey Cap, an actual cassette.”

Over McGee’s protest he tossed to Dan who promptly started pulling the tape out of it. “We’re doing pretty good in this spot right here,” he said pretending to study the film as McGee dropped to his knees.

As he started pulling it out faster Target commented, “It’s starting to pick up there.”

“Did he get my good side?”, Boomer asked.

“You don’t have a good side,” Ace shot at him.

Wrapping the film around the cassette Dan looked at McGee and said, “This might have made your career.” Then he tossed it into the air. Target destroyed it with a couple of shots. “Oops… my bad.”

“You enjoyed that,” Target quipped.

Smiling behind his helmet Dan just said,” Boomer, Target watch him. Ace finish getting those people out of there. Rev, you and me are checking out that building he came out of to see if they are any more captives in there. And we got to find out if he shipped anybody off planet yet.” McGee stared at the remains of the tape crying like a baby.

***
A couple of days later the team was relaxing in the rec room. Unfortunately Fishman was able to get some people off world. But thanks to the D-Hacks Michelle was able to get into his computer and find out where. As of now the other Ops teams were working on that so hopefully they’ll all be home soon. Michelle found out McGee was on permanent reassignment after losing the camera, apparently he was covering dog shows now. And that just made Dan happy.

While they relaxed Michelle came in all excited, “I almost forgot to tell you guys. I recorded Dan’s debut on Inside Extra.” She picked up the remote before he could stop her and brought it up.

“I don’t want to see this,” Dan complained. The others started cheering and whistling when his face appeared. “Look that’s not even me it says the guy’s name is Steve.”

“Oh be quiet and enjoy it ‘Steve’,” Michelle said as she massaged his shoulders.

They watched and hollered again when he said, “The more Deka the better.” The image froze there.

“Are all of you happy now?”, Dan asked.

“Cap that was brilliant,” Boomer told him.

“A true moment of excellence,” Target said before starting to laugh.

“Hey what’s that?” Ace asked. By his head a word balloon started to form. Michelle froze.

Dan squirmed a bit under her grip, “Michelle you’re digging into my shoulders.”

“I didn’t think it recorded this,” she let him go and started to back away toward the door. Dan’s jaw fell to the floor as the words “I am Michelle Chavez’s sex slave” appeared inside it.

“Ooooo,” Boomer said looking at her.

Target shook her head in disbelief, “Wow”. Rev just looked at it, head tilted in confusion.

“You’re dead,” Ace told her.

Not taking his eyes off the screen Dan slowly said, “Michelle”.

Still backing up toward the door she answered, “Yes love of my life who has a wonderful sense of humor and wouldn’t harm a hair on my head.”

“Yeah it’s not my head I’d be worried about,” Ace smirked.

“Shut up,” she quickly snapped.

Dan finished with a, “You have a five second head start.”

“Eep,” she squeaked and ran out the door. Dan sat there and slowly counted to five before getting up and jumping over the couch to give chase.

Rev tried to stop him, “Captain…” Ace got in his way as Dan ran out the door. “Why did you stop me?”

“Did you see that smile on his face?”, she asked him. “He’s not going hurt her. Trust me.”

A few seconds later they heard Michelle cry out, “Hey no fair you’re tickling!”

“Yup, it’s going to be a while before we see them again,” Ace commented.

“Just when I think I have humans figured out,” Rev mumbled to himself.


-----
ED – Evanescence – Whisper
-----

Special Police DekaOps
34


-----
OP – Alter Bridge – Metalingus
-----


While she walked the halls of OpsBase Ace kept looking around. Something felt off about the place today for some reason, she just couldn’t put a finger on it. People were greeting her as usual as she passed them, although once or twice she would have sworn a couple of them were snickering behind her back. Of course they’d stop when she looked back at them. Yeah there was nothing suspicious about that.

Turning the corner to the cafeteria she saw Cap standing by the door. She started to wave when he barked, “Ace I need to talk to you now.”

She paused in mid step, he didn’t look happy about something. As she walked over there Ace tried to remember anything she could have done to put him in this sort of mood. Unless he was starting to get upset about the request forms she was drawing a blank. “Is there a problem Cap?”

“I’ll say there is,” he said sternly as he guided her into the cafeteria.

“Surprise!”, everybody in there shouted. Ace nearly jumped out of her skin.

Dan lost the edge to his voice and smiled as he said, “You never told anybody it was your birthday.”

“Michelle,” she growled, “I told you I didn’t want anybody to make a fuss.”

“And how many times are you going to turn twenty one,” Michelle told her.

“Yeah Ace,” Boomer spoke, “it be a crime to let it pass by.”

Dan and Michelle guided her to an able while Target had the group around her separate a bit as Rev brought out a cake. The wax was already starting to trip down the candle as he set it down. “I believe there is a tradition of making a wish before blowing out the candles,” he said.

“If you all are still here it didn’t come true,” she said right before blowing them out.

“Don’t be such a crouch Ace,” Boomer said. “So what if you’re a year older, one step closer to the grave and you have to start looking for gray hairs, wrinkles…” Dan shot him a look, “Shutting up now.”

“I think it would make Ace’s day if teaching her that look ended up being her present,” Target chuckled.

“Dan might be ready to give up command if he does,” Pierce said. “And I don’t think he’s ready yet.”

“Maybe we can do the next best thing,” Dan said. “Now I know Ace is a law abiding citizen and didn’t break any of the drinking laws growing up.” Ace looked away and started whistling. Dan reached under the table and pulled out a couple of brown paper bags. “And considering the occasion,” reaching into the bag he pulled out a six pack of beer, “The first rounds on me.” Pulling a can free he handed it to her, “Live it up while you can Ace.”

Almost expecting him to pull the can away Ace took it while the Major said, “I thought we agreed not to get her the strong stuff?”

“Major, I do believe I know what the people under me can and cannot handle.”

Ace took a drink and nearly coughed, that was stronger than she was expecting. Looking at the others she said, “Don’t let me hog it all.”

“Besides,” Dan continued as he took a can for himself, “I hate the weak stuff. You always told me to plan ahead.”

After an hour or so Ace started to relax and enjoy herself. Yeah she didn’t want anybody to make a fuss about today, but it gave her a good feeling that they did. Dan sat next to her grabbing another beer. “Cap just out of curiosity, why did you buy me the beer.”

“Tradition in my family,” he said. “The moment I turned twenty one my Dad and Grand Dad convinced my CO to let them drag me off base to a bar.”

“Speaking of traditions there’s not any more you guys are going to be following today are you?”, she asked feeling a little worried.

“Depends on how drunk we are and how bored we get later. I wouldn’t worry about it though.” About then they overheard Michelle convince Target to get a ping pong paddle out of one of the rec rooms. Dan happened to notice the grin Michelle was giving Ace. “You might want to tie yourself to that chair.” Ace wrapped her legs around the chair legs.

“Major Pierce,” A tech said coming in, “Command just called, they might have an assignment.”

“Saved by the Alienizer,” Ace mumbled as they ran out of the room.

***
As the Machine Shepard landed in the jungle of Brazil everybody was a bit uneasy. Not from the beer, Rev had something that would counteract it affects. The case was a people disappearing person case. They handled them before so the problem wasn’t there. The problem was the suspects in the area had no problem selling any species as a food source, humans included. “Everybody pay close attentions to the surroundings,” Dan ordered. “These guys are especially dangerous and I don’t want any mistakes.”

“Rev have you heard of these guys before?”, Target asked.

“Only rumors Angela,” he answered. “And those rumors were not particularly pleasant.”

“And the entire planet is like this?”

“Not the entire planet, a majority of them are though.”

“Well if it’s just a majority,” Boomer quipped.

“Not now,” Ace snapped at him.

“Target keep a look out for any stray energy readings,” Dan continued. “I get the feeling detecting any sort of life sign is going to be a bitch.”

“You would be correct so far Captain,” Rev said. “The scanners on the Shepard were having a hard time identifying which life signs were coming from the local inhabitants and the local wild life.”

“Keep an eye on it any way,” he said. “Maybe we’ll get lucky.”

“I hope our luck is that good today,” Ace commented.

“Stay together,” Dan told them. “If you have to split off from the group don’t stray off too far.” He led them into the jungle.

***
Deeper in the jungle a bald, troll like being with several missing teeth sat in front of a scanner that was especially designed for the jungle. It cost a pretty penny but paid for itself after the first couple of captures. Behind him his partner, who was missing an ear, was polishing a human rib bone, “Zat, look this.”

Tossing the rib on a pile of other bones he walked over and looked over his shoulder. “More meat,” he grunted.

“Different meat,” he pointed out to one in particular.

Zat looked closer, “Zalmanian. Good price, very rare.”

“Perhaps taste,” he liked his lips. “Check quality.” Zat made a fist and pounded him on top of the head. “What for?”

“No taste, never stop. No profit.”

“Never had Zalmanian,” he whined as he rubbed his head.

“No matter. Set traps send Batsuriods,” Zat ordered.

“Right, right,” he grumbled. Flipping a few switches to his right activated the traps. A group of Batsuroids walked out of a room and out the door toward the signal. “Sneak taste,” he mumbled as Zat started polishing another bone.

***
Space cannibals, just when Dan thought he had heard it all. He was very tempted to have them suit up the moment they landed. But training told him to wait and see what they were up against first. “This was not how I wanted to spend my birthday,” Ace said beside him.

“This wasn’t exactly how we were planning on celebrating it,” Dan told her. “Just between us, why were you so grumpy at the party?”

“I hate surprise parties,” she said. “They only ones who seem to have any fun are the ones surprising you. And it didn’t help any that I thought you were pissed at me.”

“I tried to get him to come out as super happy Cap,” Boomer said. Dan shot him another look. “Wow, look a yellow belly sap sucker.”

“You’re going to have to teach me to do that one of these days,” Ace told him.

“Command secret,” Dan told her with a smirk. “It took me years to pry it out of the Major. Why would I make it easy for you?”

“Not even for my birthday?”

“If you can avoid Michelle and what she had planned for the rest of the day I’ll give you a quick lesson tomorrow.”

“Cap,” Target spoke up, “I’m getting a reading. Twenty individual energy signatures and they’re coming this way.”

“Bots, it has to be,” Dan muttered. “Try to find a hiding place. Maybe we can catch them by surprise.” They scattered trying to find a hiding spot and still be able to see the path they were on. SP-Shooters drawn they waited and it wasn’t a long wait before they spotted the first Batsuroid. Dan watched as five more followed it. He looked over at Target silently asking where the others were. She shook her head, she was still reading twenty energy signatures.

Boomer pointed at something on their waist that Target recognized right away, a signature multiplier. Before Dan could give the order to fire Rev looked behind him. The next moment he was wrapped in a net with a slight glow to it as he fell to the ground. “They have a stun net!” she announced. Boomer drew his knife and headed for him while the other fired at the Batsuroids. Return fire seemed to come from everywhere.

“Light it up!” Dan ordered. Boomer tossed a flash grenade into the air. The original six were momentarily disabled but they were still held down by the return fire. “Damn it.”

“Hang on Rev,” Boomer said while he tried to cut through the net, “I’m working as fast as I can.” Trying to keep his head down he failed to notice a Batsuroid sneaking up behind him. Ace saw it and took it out. She ran over to provide some better cover. She didn’t see the laser trip wire before her boot went through it. A beam hit her that knocked her out. “Ace!!”, Boomer shouted.

“We’re going to get chewed up if we stay here!” Target said.

Dan was seething on the inside, he knew she was right but he hated making that call. Especially with people down. Still, he had to keep the teams safety in mind. “Fall back!” he ordered. “Make your way back to the Shepard!”

“What about…?”, Boomer started to ask.

“Now!”, he shouted. Target had to drag Boomer out of there. Dan fired back before looking at Ace and Rev laying there. Then he retreated back into the jungle.

“Two have been captured,” one of the Batsuroids said.

“Take them back to base,” said another. “The others will be captured later.”

Dan caught up with Target and Boomer in a small clearing after the Batsuroids stopped firing at them. He couldn’t look at them, but he did pound his fist into a tree in frustration. “How are we going to deal with this one?”, Boomer asked.

“We follow them,” Dan told him, “all the way back to their base.”

“We don’t know what we’re up against,” Target said. “And we’re outnumbered.”

“Never stopped us before,” Boomer quipped.

“And we were never out maneuvered before, not that badly,” she argued. “We need to contact base for some help or go back and pick them up ourselves.”

“We all go home or none of us go home,” Dan said. “That’s how we do things.”

“Cap what are we going to do?”, she asked.

“I have never abandoned anybody to an enemy force and I don’t plan on starting now.” Dan started back into the jungle. “Hurry up, before the trail gets cold.”

“Don’t you love it when he gets that determined look in his eyes?”, Boomer asked as he followed him.

Target headed off with them saying, “This is crazy, but I’d hate to be the other side with Cap in this mood.”

***
Coming to Ace immediately took stock of herself. She was still feeling a little sore where whatever it was hit her. Her feet were tied together and her hands were bound above her head. And whatever she was laying on was the hardest thing she had ever been on. That’s when she noticed the smell, rotten meat. “It’s definitely a birthday I won’t be forgetting.”

“I would be surprised if you did.” She looked around until she saw Rev next to her. “Although awakening to this situation on any day would be memorable. Do you see the Captain or the others from your position?”

“No,” she said straining. “Hopefully they got away, they had us six ways to Sunday out there.” Rev didn’t say anything to that. “You know Cap’s motto Rev, he’s not going to leave us here. Even if he has to go all Rambo on them.”

“I am aware of that Trish,” he finally said. “It never occurred to me that I would be waiting to see he is true to his word.”

“I’m not exactly flipping over the situation myself. But hey, has Cap ever let us down before.”

Before he could answer two of the ugliest aliens she had ever seen walked in. They went over to Rev and started poking him in various places. “Zalmanian good shape. Bring good price.”

“Still say taste quality.” The other one punched him in the face.

Pointing a finger at him he snarled, “No meat no money. Stupid think belly.”

“Stupid Zat,” he mumbled. He flinched when the other one made a fist. “Human meat! Human Meat!”

“Rax lucky,” he grumbled as he turned his attention toward her. He started poking her in the same way he poked Rev.

Needless to say she didn’t take it as stoically as Rev did, “Hey!”

“Lively meat,” Zat said with a snort.

“Meat SPD,” Rax said tapping the badge on her chest.

“Watch the finger asshole.” Rax wrapped a hand around her mouth. She stated smelling and tasting something worse than rotting meat.

“Leave her alone,” Rev said but Rax let her go to backhand him. Then Zat punched Rax in response.

“No damage meat!” he snapped. “They wait. Prepare other meat.” When they turned to leave Ace looked at her hands and saw her gloves were still on. Immediately she turned her wrist so she could tap the back of her hand against the table.

Dan was cursing at how heavily booby trapped the jungle was the closer they got to where ever they are. But the trail was getting cold fast, especially since they couldn’t disable a couple of traps and had to work their way around them. Not that disabling them was getting them there any faster. And they still didn’t have a clear idea where this base was. His License started to beep and he quickly checked it. Pulling up a map he saw a tap signal, “That a girl Ace. We have their location, come on.”

***
Rev and Ace both tried not to hear what was going on in the next room. It made them sick to their stomachs that they couldn’t do so. For the fifth time they heard the same thing as before. It might have been a different language each time but it was the same thing, a person begging for their life. Right now they were hearing somebody English try the same. “For God sakes don’t do this! Please I’m begging you! I have a family! No! No! No! No!” As always there was a thunk, a mild crack then silence.

Rev silently prayed to the Great Spirit for the person. Ace looked at the doorway as Rax walked by with a club in his hand, the blunt end dripping a bit with fresh blood, “Noisey meat,” he muttered.

“Now quiet meat,” Zat said as he passed by, a knife in his hand. Ace lowered her head. She was going to give these bastards the fight of her life when they came for her. If they gave her a chance she thought while looking up at her bindings again.

“Is it wrong,” Rev said, “That I am wondering where this Zat person learned his skills with a knife considering how fast things are currently going?”

“No offence Rev but that’s the most disgusting thought I have ever heard you have.”

“My apologies Trish.”

“It’s alright Rev. I’m thinking some weird thoughts too.” Like if she’d feel it after they hit her with that club. She shook her head. “Come on guys,” she said under her breath.

At that moment Dan had the base they were in right in his sights, the only thing holding him back was Target doing one final sweep with her sensor for any more traps. “We’re clear,” she announced.

“So we got a straight shot right into those Batsuroids,” Boomer said. “When do we go Cap?”

“Now,” was all he said as he ran toward the building, with Boomer and Target right behind him, their OpsLicense in their hands. Halfway there he shouted, “Emergency! DekaOps!” They were briefly covered in a red, blue and yellow digital flash and they were wearing their Dekasuits as they continued their charge. “Get us inside!” Dan shouted as Target took a shot at the first Batsuroid they saw.

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Boomer told him. The Batsuroids started firing back. They continued at them returning fire. Dan took a shot on the shoulder that knocked him down. Target slid under a couple of shots and was able to take a few of them out. Boomer kept on going, pausing just long enough to toss a shrapnel grenade by them. It took them out but more seemed to take their place.

“Mow them down,” Dan said. He and Target held his their ground and fired away. It was enough of a distraction for Boomer to sneak by them and slap an explosive device on the door. He ran back into hiding with a detonator in his hand. Dan and Target kneeled down and covered their heads. The explosive took out the door and the Batsuroids in front of it. Boomer came out of his spot and fired at the remaining bots before they could react.

“There’s our opening,” Target said as they ran for it.

***
“Stupid meat!” Rax yelled as the explosion rocked the base. “Batsuroids do nothing!”

“Do enough,” Zat said. “Hold off meat long enough.”

“Process other meat?” Zat nodded. Rax grinned and picked up his club, “Human meat first?”

“Sure,” Zat agreed.

“Good, meat noisey. Hurt ears.”

They walked into the room holding Ace and Rev. “Here we go,” she muttered. Zat held her by the arms while the other one undid her bindings. Ace started kicking at him as best she could. Rax held them down while Zat finished with her hands. “Let me go!” she yelled still struggling. They hauled her up and tied her hands behind her back, she fought them as best she could.

“Stop it!” Rev said struggling against his bindings. Hooking her by the arms they dragged her into the other room. She tried to get her feet in front of her to slow them down but they kept kicking her legs back. The room was bare except for a pedestal in the middle of it. Rax pushed her down to her knees in front of it. He tried to push her head down but she fought back. Finally her head was forced down hard and held against it. The pedestal was still slightly sticky against her cheek from the earlier use and she felt the club on the other side of her head. Ace closed her eyes as she felt the club move away.

“No!”, Ace opened her eyes and saw Target shot the club out of his hand. Cap ran in and tackled the other one when he raised his knife. Target kept her D-Shooter pointed at Rax as he held his hand and backed up as Boomer rushed in with Rev right behind him rubbing his wrist and quickly got her free. “You guys all right?”, Target asked.

“I’ve been better,” Ace said as she shakily got back to her feet.

“We should get out of here,” Boomer said.

“Not yet,” Ace told him through gritted teeth. Her License was still in it’s holder so she grabbed it and held it out, “Emergency! DekaOps!” A pink digital flash later and she was in her Dekasuit. Switching the License to Judge she held it before her. Rax ran through them and out the door. Zat was able to get free and follow him out. “You bastards are not getting away!” Ace shouted as she chased after them.

“After her,” Dan told the rest of them.

They found Ace fighting both of the by a pool of yellow liquid with some steam coming off of it. Zat broke away and grabbed some kind of stick off the wall. Dan had his D-Rod in his hand as he cut him off. Ace could hear every cry of help and beg for life as she pounded on Rax. Suddenly he grabbed her by the ankle and threw her into the others. “We gotcha Ace,” Boomer said as they caught her.

“Let me go and get him!”, she ordered. Target noticed Dan was having a hard time with Zat and went to help him. Zat got through Dan’s guard and jabbed him in the gut with the stick. There was a huge flash were it connected and Dan went flying back into Target. Rax and Zat grabbed both of them and threw them into the pool. Both of them started laughing as it started bubbling.

“Acid,” Zat said. “Melt anything, even Dekametal.” Through the bubbles there were a couple of flashes. A black armored hand emerged from the pool and grabbed the edge. Zat and Rax backed away to avoid the splatter, the floor sizziling where it made contact. Having activating EXO mode Dan hauled himself up with Target right behind him. The armor was still sizzling a bit and their License looked extremely damaged in the slots.

Rev quickly looked around as Dan stood up holding his gut. He was still slightly bent over. Rev found a hose and quickly twisted the wheel by it, then he sprayed the foam that came out of it all over them. Ace and Boomer held both the cannibals at bay while he did so. Suddenly their License sparked violently and the Dekametal faded away as Dan dropped to his knees still holding his gut.

“Neutralizing foam,” Rev explained as he stopped spraying them. “It made sense that they would have some nearby in case of an emergency.”

“It’s not going to matter anymore,” Ace said darkly. “Target orders!” It took way too long for the red X to shine, “Eliminate target.” Boomer joined her as they locked their License into their D-Shots. With a little too much pleasure she said, “Strikeout!” After they were deleted Ace dropped to her knees and started shaking and couldn’t stop, the adrenaline wearing off and her mind finally processing what almost happened to her.

Boomer was right by her side, “Ace you’re going to be alright.”

“Cap,” she forced out. “How are Cap and Target?”

“They hit the Captain with, for lack of a better term, a cattle prod,” Rev said. He was shaking a little himself “His suit protected him but it still did some damage. It doesn’t appear that the acid penetrated their suit that I can see. They were fortunate there.”

Ace could still hear the scream but she knew she had a job to do. “Get him back to the Shepard. Rev can give them a better examination there. B… Boomer check out this pace to see if there are any other survivors.”

“You got it Ace,” he said. “What are you going to be doing?”

She couldn’t hold it back anymore, taking off her helmet she rushed out of the room, “I’m going to throw up.”

***
The next day Ace walked into the med bay. Dan was still lying on a bed, bandaged around the waist. Michelle was sitting next to him. Ace didn’t want to interrupt them but she had to talk to him, “Michelle can I talk to Cap alone?”

“Sure Ace,” she said. “I’ll be back later to check on you,” she told him before kissing him on the forehead and leaving. Ace took the chair she vacated and sat there in silence for a bit. Finally she said, “How are you doing Cap?”

“Rev said I’ll be back on duty in a couple of days. So tell the others to enjoy the mini-vacation while they can,” he chuckled a bit. She joined in with a weak version. “Although some sick part of me wants to head to their planet and find out what exactly passes for cattle up there. How are you holding up?”

“Not as good as I thought apparently,” she admitted. “The Major wants me and Rev to see some shrink, I think his name is Peterson.”

“Jeff Peterson?” She nodded. “I’ve seen him, he’s pretty good.”

“You’ve seen psychiatrist?”

“The Major sent me to see him after my first assignment. When I told you I nearly got half my unit killed I didn’t mention I was almost part of that half. Peterson helped me get through it. He made me see him again after we lost D.E. and I almost executed the bastard.”

“I still hear them Cap,” she told him. “The ones we heard being killed. I can’t shut them out.

“I can’t tell you you’ll stop hearing them Ace,” he said placing a hand on her shoulder, “because I was hearing those gunshots for weeks afterwards. I still hear them in my dreams sometimes. Something like that doesn’t go away. Who knows, maybe you’re a little stronger than I am in that aspect.”

“I’m guessing he’ll want us to go to some sort of support group?”

“Well if you want you can tell him you’re already in one, being lead by one of his former patients.

“How do you do it Cap?”, she said softly. “I saw you were down and knew I had to take over, but I couldn’t keep it together, not like I’ve seen you out there. I lost my lunch before I even made it to the door.”

“I’ll let you in on a command secret, we’re still human. We just got to go through a lot of shit to get a really tough skin. But honestly, if I was in your place I’d probably be throwing up too. Some things you should never get used to. Remember that if nothing else.”

Ace wanted to feel better after hearing that but it didn’t really help. She sat there for a long time talking to him. She knew he was right but she didn’t think those screams would ever quiet down completely. One day at a time was going to be hell.


-----
ED – Whisper – Evanescence
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Special Police DekaOps
35


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ED – Alter Bridge – Metalingus
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~Then~

Dan walked out of a building in his field uniform. The others were covering a blue skinned alien and a human with dirty blond hair. The human got up and pleaded with him, “Dan you got to believe me. I didn’t want this to happen. I just wanted to help Jase.”

Walking past him Dan simply told him, “Shut up.”

The human got angry and sarcastically said, “Yes sir, Lieutenant Fast Track sir! The rules and regulations before anything else! Is there anything else this lowly maggot needs to know Lieutenant Fast Track sir?”

Dan stopped, “Yeah there is,” turning around and going back over he said, “it’s Captain.” In the next instant Dan punched him. As he laid there Dan just glared at him before saying, “Get this son of a bitch out of my sight,” and turned and walked away.

~Now~

In a jail cell a man with dirty blond hair was using pipe that was above him to perform some pull-ups. All he could do lately was exercise and think about how one of his supposed best friends betrayed him, twice. Somehow they stuck him in this specialty jail in permanent solitary. He guessed Fast Track didn’t want him spilling his secret to anybody. He thought about the eagle tattoo on his left shoulder, yeah some bond they had. That was turned into a joke the moment Fast Track turned him into the MPs.

“Most impressive,” somebody said behind him. He dropped from the pipe and turned toward the source. A prison guard he had never seen before, and he had seem most of them by now, stared at him.

“Show’s over,” he snapped. “Just leave me the fuck alone.”

“Normally I would but I think I may have some use for you.”

“Try it,” he warned him, “I’ll be stomping your ass into the ground.”

“I believe you misunderstood me human,” the guard started to change shape. Now inside the guard uniform was something that looked like a lizard. “My name is Chatrox, and you could say that I am the agent of your deliverance.”

“Stuff it skag,” he said, “I don’t deal with filth from off planet.”

“Even if I could give you your freedom?”

“You have nothing I want that would be worth dealing with you,” he spat.

“Maybe not, but Andrew Boreman I do believe we have a common thread,” he said smoothly.

Andy snorted, “And what could we possibly have in common?” Chatrox held a hand through the bars and opened it. Inside it was a small metal disc with a glass center. With a press of a button the glass lit up and an image formed in the air above it. It was a pale blue image of a human in a black military style uniform that seemed to stare at him. “Fast Track,” he spat.

“You and I both want revenge on this human,” Chatrox studied him. “I don’t have access to Deka technology but I do believe I have something that would put you on the same level with Stevens when he activates it.”

“What’s the catch?”, Andy said eyeing him.

“Only that you will occasionally do a job for me when required,” he said. “My organization can use somebody with your particular set of skills. I just take a cut from your profits.”

“How big a cut?”

“Thirty percent,” Chatrox told him, “Until you fully pay for the equipment I’m going to give you. Then it goes down to twenty.” Thinking it over Andy looked him right in the eye.

“I’m in, now get me out of here.”

“Of course.” The wall behind him exploded causing him to duck on instinct. The new opening revealed a space craft of some sort just hovering outside. An Igadroid waited just inside the open hatch. “My personal craft,” the Agent told him. Andy didn’t need to hear anything else as he jumped out the hole and onto the wing of the craft.

***
The sun was shining down on the park and it was such a lovely day to be outside. One particular group seemed to be enjoying it more than the others. Dan and a man in a wheelchair was busy playing with a blond haired little girl. Michelle walked over to a picnic bench and sat next to a blond haired woman. They watched the three for a moment. The woman leaned over and said, “I’m surprised how fast Dani took to you. She’s never that active around people she doesn’t know.”

“Dan said the same thing,” Michelle said. “But she is adorable Paula.”

She smiled, “Thanks, but she is a bit of a handful at times, especially after Dan riles her up.” Michelle just smiled. “Although I’m kind of glad they’re over there, it gives us a chance to talk a bit.”

“You wanted to see what kind of woman could make Dan break that rule of his?”

“Something like that,” Paula chuckled. “He was so steadfast in that rule I was certain a woman was going to have to get a battalion to aim their weapons at him first.”

“It only took half a battalion,” Michelle joked. “I’m a little surprised too. I was fully prepared to just be friends with him, but things just happened.”

“I’m just glad he finally did,” Paula admitted.

“So I guess I’m passing expectations so far,” she grinned.

“You passed the moment Dani took to you.”

“Aunt Michelle,” Dani said running up.

“Aunt?”, she said suspiciously looking at Dan. He pointed at his friend Barry in the wheelchair. Barry pointed at him at the same time.

“Actually I think the culprit,” Paula said picking up Danielle and sitting her between them, “is one over active imagination.”

“She’s with Uncle Danny,” Dani explained.

“There not together in that way munchkin,” her mom told her.

“At least not yet,” Barry smirked.

Dan looked at him, “Don’t make me hurt you.”

“But I’m in a wheel chair.”

“You think that’s going to stop me?”

“Barry,” Paula said.

“Dan,” Michelle said at the same time.

“See what you’re getting me into?”, Dan said.

“Oh sure,” Barry told him, “blame the paralyzed guy.”

Dani looked at her mother, “Can’t I call her Aunt Michelle?” Michelle looked over to Paula, she smiled and nodded her approval.

“I would love to be your aunt sweetie,” she told Dani. The little girl hugged her around the neck.

Barry elbowed him in the side, “You better take the hint man.”

“Barry,” Paula warned him.

“Come on munchkin,” Dan said taking his Goddaughter’s hand, “Mommy’s about to let Daddy have it.”

“Dan don’t put that thought in her head,” Michelle scolded him.

“He’s not that far off,” Paula told her. “Don’t rush them Barry.”

“You ever get the feeling you’re being outmaneuvered?”, Dan asked Michelle.

A scream caught their attention. Dan and Michelle both looked to see what the commotion was. A couple of Igadroids were leading some Batsuroids and Anaroids. They shot in their directions. Danielle screamed as Dan and Michelle drug Barry and his family to the ground. “It’s those robots on the news,” Barry said. He looked at Dan, who looked at Michelle then at Paula and Dani.

“Dani,” he said looking her in the eyes, “I need you to keep a secret. You can’t tell anybody about what you see. Can you promise me that?” His Goddaughter looked scared but still nodded while Paula looked confused. “That goes for you too Paula, I’ll explain later. Come on Michelle.”

“Right,” she said as they got up.

Facing the oncoming bots Dan said, “Change standby.” Reaching behind their backs they took out their License. “Emergency!”, Dan started before he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He saw something red, more importantly he saw something that looked like a gun pointed right at them. Dan grabbed Michelle and dove for the ground an energy bolt just missed them. Dani screamed again.

Dan rolled to his back and got a better look at what shot at them. It looked like a guy in red armor with a black suit underneath it. A black glass visor covered his face, a hand blaster was still pointed at him. He marched toward them, his aim never wavering. Dan and Michelle immediately got in front of Barry and his family. “That is so sweet of you Fast Track,” the armored individual sneered.

Dan and Barry both recognized the voice, “Andy?”

“I still can’t believe you’re still hanging round this traitor Barry,” he said. “Then again you always believed the bullshit that comes out of his mouth, loser.”

“Don’t talk to my daddy that way!”, Dani shouted.

“Shut up brat,” Andy snapped. Dan gripped the License in his hand, Andy saw it. “Go ahead Fast Track, show them what you sold out for. Let’s see if you can change before I can shoot you, or this bunch of traitor supporters.”

“Leave them out of this Andy,” Dan pleaded.

“DekaData,” Michelle whispered and hit the button on top of her DataLicense. In a white digital flash she was in her Dekasuit and got between them. “Barrier shield”, she ran her finger down the first row of the keypad on her arm and stretched her arms wide. Andy fired at the same time. Her energy shield blocked the shot.

That gave Dan enough time to go into action. “Emergency! DekaOps!” A red flash later he was in his suit and standing next to Michelle. “I don’t know what rock you crawled out from under but I’m going to put you back.”

“Maybe,” Andy snorted, “but let’s see were your priorities really are. Robots.” Dan and Michelle looked back over to the bots, they didn’t notice they stopped moving when Andy made his move. “Level everything and start with them,” he pointed at Barry, Paula and Danielle.

“No,” Michelle immediately ran toward the bots. Dan stood between Andy and Barry’s family. He turned around and walked away. Dan wanted to go after him but he heard the screams of the people being terrorized by the bots. He knew Michelle could take them but she couldn’t get all of them in time. Cursing to himself he ran in and joined her. By the time they stopped the bots Andy was long gone.

***
They made sure Barry, Paula and Daniel were fine before heading back to OpsBase. Again Dan promised to Paula that he would explain everything the first chance he got, but he had to find out where in the hell Andy came from first. When they gave a brief report to the Major he looked guilty about something before telling him. “How come nobody told me he escaped from jail two weeks ago?!”, he demanded.

“Orders from Command, I only found out about it a couple of days ago myself,” he explained. “They know about your history with him Dan. They also know that he found out about what you do now. I didn’t have a say in it but they arranged for him to be put in a special prison so he wouldn’t talk to anybody about what he saw.”

“Which I’m sure he blames me for,” Dan said.

“Dan…,” the Major began.

“He still thinks I reported him to the MPs,” he told him. “Trust me, in his mind, this is just the latest of my sins against him.”

“So how did he get out?”, Boomer asked. “Granted Cap never talked about him that much but I always got the feeling he wasn’t that bright.”

“I was able to find footage of the breakout,” Michelle announced as she played it. They saw the outside of the prison as a ship appeared out of thin air and blasted part of it. Then it readjusted it position in the air as Andy jumped out of the opening. Then the ship faded away again.

“I have seen that craft before,” Rev commented.

“So have I,” Ace said, “when we went after Chatrox. How did that bastard find out about him?”

The Major spoke up again, “We have a report of a body of one of the prison guard being found a couple of days after it happened. Given his enhancements that’s probably how he got in. We’re still working out how he how he found out about the place. Then again the Alienizers had surprised us before.”

“Especially an Agent who knows how SPD works,” Ace chimed in.

Michelle watched Dan while they were discussing things. She knew that look. Getting up she said, “Come on Dan, let’s get out of here before you blow a gasket.”

“That’s probably a good idea,” the Major agreed. Michelle took him out of the Command Room. “I can only imagine what’s going through his head right now.”

“I’m just guessing,” Target spoke up, “that Cap has a history with both of these guys.”

“You have no idea,” Ace told her.

“I’m not trying to stir up any trouble but should Cap be leading this one?”

“I had my doubts as well when we first went after Chatrox,” Rev told her. “But he was able to keep himself in check.”

“Still,” Ace spoke up, “after that Cap made me promise that if we ever went after him again to keep a close eye on him. The moment I thought he was about to lose control I was to yank command from him.”

“Do you think that implies here?”, Boomer asked.

Looking at the door Cap and Michelle went through she said, “It does now.”

In his quarters Michelle sat on his bed as Dan stood and stared at the pictures on his wall. Particularly one of him in his buddies back in the army, the Eagle banner behind them. When he didn’t say anything she went, “Are you going to punch that one too?”

He rubbed the back of his hand a bit saying, “Not this time.” Finally turning away he sat on the bed next to her. “I can’t believe he threatened Barry and them.”

“He obviously went nuts,” Michelle told him. “I’m going to do everything possible to find out how Chatrox found about him.”

“It doesn’t matter now,” Dan said. “Andy’s out and Chatrox sent him after me. He really knew where to hit me this time.” Michelle rubbed his arm.

“What are you going to do?”

Looking back at the picture softly, almost a whisper, he said, “What I have to.”

***
Hidden away in an abandoned factory Andy was practicing his aim against some improvised targets. Can, bottles, small machinery anything he could find was hit. Then he turned toward the other side of the room. On the wall was a crude drawing of a figure in a black and red uniform. Not even bothering with the helmet’s targeting system he fired at the drawing. Each bolt hit the wall leaving a black scorch mark. He didn’t stop until the upper body was one black mark. On his mental command the helmet retracted away from his head revealing his smirking face.

“We had a deal,” Chatrox said coming into view.

“It’s still on skag,” Andy said attaching the gun to the belt. “I’m just having a little fun first.”

“I know from personal experience that it is unwise to underestimate a Deka,” the Agent told him.

“And I know this particular ‘Deka’ since boot camp,” Andy shot back. “I know how he’s going to react. I knew when he had to choose between getting me and helping out the so-called innocents, I was walking out of there.”

“You also believed he would let you go once before,” Chatrox sneered.

Losing the smirk Andy said, “One time.”

“One is all it takes.”

“Is there a point to this?”, Andy snapped.

“I just wanted to make sure your eye was still on the goal human.”

Looking back at the figure on the wall he replied, “I still have the goal in sight. But there’s something about making Fast Track suffer a little first, make his guts tie up in knots wondering when I’m going to hit next.”

“That does not sound like the human I’ve dealt with,” Chatrox informed him.

“Like I said I’ve known him longer. I know exactly how much friendship means to him,” he spat. “I will take him out so don’t worry about that. But there is one thing.”

“And what’s that human?”

“His team. I know enough about those Deka bastards to know they always work in a group.”

“That is usually the case, but not always,” Chatrox smirked.

“I don’t want to have to worry about them while I’m kicking Dan’s ass.”

“You still have enough Igadroids and Baturoids at your disposal to take care of them.”

“And I saw what two of them did to the ones I did use.”

“Then perhaps you should find a way to separate him from his unit,” Chatrox told him before walking away. The human said something under his breath but he didn’t care. The sooner this filth took care of Stevens the sooner he could limit his association with him.

***
In the week since it happened they watched Dan practically climb up the walls waiting for Andy to show back up. He spent most of his days in the gym or on the firing range, getting ready as he put it. Ace in particular paid real close attention to him. She respected him to no end and was grateful he was doing what he could to help her through the nightmares from their last mission. As much as she didn’t want to make the call she would for the good of the team.

He nearly jumped off the couch and out the door as Michelle called them to the Command Room. They glanced at Ace who just held up a finger as she followed him out the door, “Let’s not jump the gun.”

When they got there Dan was standing there waiting. “We got a trouble spot in California,” the Major said. The location showed up on the screen as Dan looked surprised. “As Dan probably figured out there’s an Army base near there.”

“The one we were stationed at when he got caught,” he said out loud. Again they glanced over at Ace. Looking at the screen he said, “Ace.”

“Yeah Cap,” she answered.

“Be ready just in case.” Then he headed for the ready room without another word.

The Shepard landed outside of a small town when a group of Batsuroids attacked. Dan ordered them by the ramp before they lowered it. It slowly opened and they opened fired with their SP-Shooters the moment they saw a blue head. After they dropped Dan and Target went down the ramp to make sure the coast was clear before waving down the rest. “I knew we were going to run into that situation sooner or later,” Boomer commented.

“Thanks for sharing with the rest of us,” Dan snapped. They went past the deactivated bots on the ground. Rev happened to notice several had something blinking on their waist.

“Captain,” he called out as he examined it, “it’s a holo disc.”

“Be careful Rev,” Boomer said as he headed over. “It could be bobby trapped.” He examined it closely before setting it down on the ground. “Looks clean, I wonder what’s on it.” He activated it. All of them looked at Dan as Andy’s image formed above it.

“Hey there Fast Track,” he said. “If you can drag yourself away from your team,” he sneered as he said that, “meet me here.” His image was replaced by a map with a dot blinking on it. “I’ll be waiting for you. Come alone because I’ll see if anybody that came with you. Then I’ll walk away and do this again with a bigger force, maybe play with an old friend of ours. See you ‘buddy’.”

Before the map faded Dan was already running up the ramp. Ace followed him and saw him open up one of the Hound bay. As he pulled the bike out he finally noticed her, “Cap please tell me you’re thinking straight. We have a bunch of bots terrorizing a town right now.”

“I know but if I don’t get him now he’s going to it again. I am not going to let him do that.”

“Cap…,” she started to say but hesitated.

“Do it if you think you have to,” he told her, “but I’m going.”

“I’m taking over command,” she said, “now step away from the Hound.” Dan looked at her for a moment before stepping away. “I remember what he let happened to your friend Jason. And Michelle told me you haven’t forgiven him for that. So I’m telling you to keep a level head when you see him. We got the bots.”

“Thanks Ace.” Dan started walking the Hound toward the ramp when she grabbed his arm.

Not looking at him she said, “Cap I’m trusting you to do this legal. Please don’t break that trust.” Nodding after a moment he got on the Hound and rode it toward Andy’s location.

***
The trip took him to the coast. Dan found Andy staring out at the ocean, his head exposed. He looked over his shoulder as Dan got off the Hound and walked toward him. Stopping a few yards away they stood there in silence before Andy turned around. “Wearing your new uniform, just like when you arrested me the last time,” Andy said. “That make you feel good Fast Track? So good that you had to do it again.”

“You brought it on yourself Andy.”

“Is that what you told yourself after you ratted me out?”, he demanded.

“And the fact you were still there ten minutes later never crossed…,” Dan stopped balling his fist. “I’m done trying to explain it to you. I’m putting you back in jail.”

“Personally this time?”, Andy joked as the helmet started to encase his head.

Dan grabbed his License, “Emergency! DekaOps!” In a red flash Dan was covered in Dekametal. They stood there for a moment before Andy charged. Dan sidestepped him and was caught a backhand he didn’t see coming. Stumbling from the blow he was open as Andy drove him to the ground. His former friend stomped on him until he caught his foot and pushed him back. Getting to his feet Dan caught another punch aimed at his head and threw him. Andy flipped in the air and landed on his feet. Grabbing Dan before he could react Andy raised him over his head and slammed him to the ground.

“Not so tough now are you?”, Andy demanded. He reached for him again. Dan quickly got his foot between them and flipped him over to the ground. Andy kicked him in the head to give him time to get back up. “Come on you son of a bitch!” he yelled as he went at him again. Knowing each other for so long they were able to anticipate what the other was about to do as they countered and blocked each other. Andy went for a kick that Dan caught. Grunting he held on to it as he threw him.

“You always telegraphed that kick,” Dan told him. Andy grabbed his blaster and started firing away. Dan was floored by the first couple of shots. Andy got up and stood over him with the blaster.

“And I was always the faster shot.” Before he could pull the trigger Dan rose up and grabbed his wrist, pointing the gun away from him. A couple bolt still barely passed by his head. Holding on Dan grabbed his D-Colt and fired point blank. He backed up as Dan got up and quickly kicked the blaster out of his hand. Dropping the D-Colt Dan ran in and punched him in the face. Andy retaliated as they kept throwing haymakers at each other. Putting all he had into one punch Dan shattered the visor. Spinning around he kicked him down.

Dan stood there, Andy just burned a hole into him with his eyes. “What are you going to do now? Judge me? Go ahead! Do it you son of a bitch!”

Dan reached for his belt buckle and removed the D-Whoppers that he promptly slapped around his wrist, “You’re under arrest.” Walking away he pulled his License, “Stevens to Ops5, what’s your status?”

“Bots are taken care of,” she answered. “It wasn’t as bad as we originally thought. But I’m have Target and Rev searching the area for any still in hiding.” She was silent for a moment, “What’s your status?”

“Target is detained and waiting for a jail cell.”

“Understood, I’ll be there to pick both of you up as soon as I can, Ops5 out.” The entire time Andy sat there cussing him out.

***
Dan sat in the observation room of the orbital station trying to get lost in the silence. Trying not to think about what happened today. In the windows reflection he saw the door open and close. In a matter of moments Ace was sitting next to him just staring out the observation window. “So why did you trade shifts with Boomer?”

“I needed to get away for a bit,” he told her. “Why are you up here?”

“I’m doing a surprise inspection of the hanger crew to keep them on their toes,” she answered. “How are you doing?”

“I had to arrest my former best friend, I’m not feeling good no matter what he did.”

“You did it legal Cap, that has to count for something.”

“I know. You know Ace sometimes I still can’t believe a friendship that tight went that bad that fast. I considered each one of them a brother. I would have done anything for any of them.”

“It happens sometimes Cap,” she said. “I know I was friends with some people before that went to hell before I knew it. Sometimes you just got to go with the punches. Now I do believe Michelle is waiting for me to get back so she can come up her and comfort you personally. The faster I get out of here the faster she can do that.”

She got up when Dan said, “Thanks for listening to me for a bit Ace.”

“You’ve been trying to help me out, it’s the least I can do.”

On the planet below in a special warehouse operated by SPD Andy’s armor was stored after they got it off of him. Placed in a special case nobody saw a light silently blink inside the chest armor.


-----
ED – Evanescence – Whisper
-----

Special Police DekaOps
36


-----
OP – Alter Bridge – Metalingus
-----


Sitting around the rec room Ace stared at the TV in front of her. She really wasn’t paying attention to it, she just needed the background noise while she drank a cup of warm milk and waited for whatever it was that did it to kick in. The fact she was on her third cup should have told her something. Maybe she was being impatient , then again maybe she should try one of those remedies Boomer and Cap suggested. She was a bit surprised to hear the door open at this hour. Looking back she said, “Hi Michelle.”

“Hi yourself,” she said as she sat next to her. “Did you have another one?” The one being a nightmare of almost dying.

“Yeah,” she answered. “It wasn’t as bad this time. I’m going to have to talk to the doctor but I’m thinking that’s a good thing.”

“Too bad Dan’s doing a shift on the orbital station, he could probably tell you.”

She nodded, “So what are you doing up? Not used to sleeping alone?”, she joked. Michelle shoved her slightly.

“Hey I love Dan and all but sometimes I like having the bed all to myself. No I just woke up and couldn’t fall back to sleep. I was hoping to catch a movie or something. I can fall asleep a lot better if I’m watching something.”

“If you want some company,” Ace said, “I’m willing to give it a shot.”

“Sure,” Michelle said as she looked for the remote, “but the moment we start making jokes about the movie I’m giving up. Because then I’ll never be able to fall asleep.”

“Deal,” she agreed. By the time they found the remote Ace remembered she had it on a news station. How did she not fall asleep to that? Although the volume was lower than usual both of them could hear the anchorperson. Apparently that Earth First group was starting to make some noise again, a little more violently this time. Shaking her head Ace simply went, “Those idiots again? I thought they disappeared after we exposed them during that alien ruse a while back.”

“They didn’t go away, they just regrouped. I still can’t find anything on that Chad Rockwell guy their using as a front man now.”

“You’re still looking into him?”

Michelle nodded, “Every so often, usually after he does a TV interview. Dan’s still positive he knows him from somewhere. But neither of us can figure out where though. It’s starting to drive me nuts.”

“No offence but that’s sounding a little close to being obsesseive.”

“I know. Fortunately the guy is only being interviewed every other month, so it’s not that bad. Beside Dan only asks every other interview or so.” Flipping through the channels she found something to watch, “This one always puts me to sleep.”

***
“Thanks again Booby,” D.E.’s dad Tony said after they loaded the last bag into a large metal bin. Both of them of them looked back as their respective wives finished rearranging what was left of the now empty garage. “I’ve been putting this off for years now. Of course now I don’t know what I’m going to do with all the extra room.”

“It’s no problem,” boomer told him, “besides I told you that anytime you needed anything to give me a ring.”

“I know but a lot of people say it but don’t really mean it.”

“People say I’m a weird one.”

“Ace says it daily,” Lisa called out.

“Ha-ha,” Boomer dead panned.

“I’m heading to the store to pick up dinner. We should be back in a bit.”

“If I don’t get a call I’ll be here,” he told her as he gave her a kiss on the cheek as she passed.

Lisa saw D.E. younger brother just sort of hanging around, “You want to come Billy?”

“No,” he said as he walked back into the house. Boomer and Lisa just looked at each other. Before long Lisa joined Molly in the car leaving Boomer and Tony alone.

“Is Billy all right?”, he asked. “He doesn’t seem the same since the last time I saw him.”

Tony sighed, “He’s been like that ever since we lost Terry. Everybody says he’ll snap out of it. But honestly I’m starting to wonder.”

“You want me to talk to him?”

“No son, everybody we know said something to him at one point or another. I think he’d scream if somebody else did.”

“I think I can pull some strings and get Rev up here if you think it’ll help,” Boomer offered. “He’s pretty good at this sort of thing.”

“Any other time and I’d think about it,” he said. “But Billy’s been on this, I don’t want to say anti-alien kick but he’s been keeping his distance lately. Even from the ones he’s known for a while now.”

“That’s not good,” Boomer mumbled.

“I know. To make matters worse we’ve caught him hanging around some kids whose parents we know are anti-alien. And from what I can tell he’s more willing to talk to them than to us.

“Maybe I should talk to him anyway,” Boomer commented. “Besides I’ve been screamed at so much I’m practically immune to it by now.”

***
“Thank you for accompanying me today Angela,” Rev said as they walked through the park. The weather was nice enough that he lowered the hood covering his head and took in the sun’s rays. Hardly anyone paid them any attention as they walked down the path. It was amazing how fast people got use to the new norm. “I usually take these walks alone to contemplate things. But every so often I do enjoy being joined by somebody.”

“It’s my pleasure Rev,” she replied. “Actually I’ve been to this park a couple of times myself after I arrived. This place is beautiful.”

“Indeed it is,” he agreed. “Although I love my home planet dearly the way it is I do sometimes wish there was a spot like this on it.”

“I’m sure it has its own beauty Rev, you just have to know where to look for it.”

“You are right of course,” he said. “But most of my life has been spent living at the temple. Rarely did I have the time to find it.”

“It might be one of those things were you only notice if you don’t live there. I know there were things in my home town that I never paid attention to unless we had family visiting,” she told him.

“Perhaps,” he said thinking it over. Rev turned a bit when he heard something. Target looked around more out of habit than anything else. Both of them saw a small crowd by the fountain. Out of curiosity they headed over to see what was going on.

“I’m telling you,” the speaker said, “those damn aliens are going to take your jobs, your house, your very way of life.” Target looked dismayed, the more things changed…

“Come on Rev,” she said. “Let’s find someplace a little more pleasant to be.” Not to mention she wasn’t sure how much their Springfield police badge would protect them in case they noticed Rev. Some of those guys looked ready to start something at a moment’s notice.

“Perhaps you are right Angela,” Rev said. He started to reach back and pull the hood back over his head. She stopped him, “Would it not be for the best?”

“No it wouldn’t, you do that and they basically win. Besides they try anything we can arrest them for assault, as long as we don’t provoke them into throwing the first punch.”

***
“Theses skags are nuisance to our way of life! Taking our Jobs! Taking our homes! How long before our very values are replaced with whatever bastard religion they have!” Disguised as a human Chatrox sat behind and tried to tune out the human blowhard at the podium. This particular bag of air was named Walter Jansen, the apparent founder of these Earth First imbeciles. And if his original plan had worked he still wouldn’t be here listening to this filthy human.

And it was such a simple plan too, use these hairless apes to stir up anti-alien feelings in the population. If he guessed right there would have been a riot or two eventually, enough of a distraction to draw Stevens and his unit out into the open. Black badge or not he knew how SPD operated, they would have been sent out to help in one form or another. An all too simple plan that had one thing going against it. The humans had to react how he thought they would, he should have known it wouldn’t work the moment it came to him.

No, he greatly overestimated the general mistrust this world had to extra terrestrial life forms. Yes there was some, as this very group before him testified to, but not enough. Then there was the ‘alien’ they put out. Even with the assistance of his old Igadroid that failed as well thanks to Stevens’ unit. And they exposed the fraud for what it was. Whatever leeway this so-called movement had was quickly knocked out from under it as that news went public. Now what was a potential force was made a laughing stock. It took a long time for this to be built back up again. Which meant he had to be “Chad Rockwell” longer than he originally intended. And he had to find new ways to keep his food from vomiting out of his stomach as a result.

Returning his attention back to Jansen he tried not to let his disgust show through. As it was his face was hurting so much it was starting to go numb. “Now I know mistakes were made and we were ridiculed for the longest time. But we have weathered the storm and are now stronger as a result. We will not be stopped in getting our message across. We will find more people who believe the truth, people who do not listen to what to believe what the media implants in their minds. Because we are the true heroes to this world. Because we put Earth First!”

“Earth First! Earth First! Earth First!” the crowd chanted. Chatrox had to give Jansen credit for one thing, he knew how to work these hairless apes. Chatrox was able to leave without anybody seeing him. Reaching inside his jacket he pulled out a computer pad. He was still having a hard time deciphering the reading he recorded. That idiot human he broke out of jail and sent after Stevens had to have screwed this up as well. The armor he gave him had a hidden tracer in the chest. On the very possible chance Stevens defeated him he could track them down to their headquarters. But there was a missing section in the transmission.

The question was what could have caused it?”

***
“Are you sure William wishes to talk to me?” Rev asked walked up to the Kennedy’s front door. Cap and the Major were all for it the idea when Boomer brought it up. In fact everybody but Rev thought this was a great idea. Granted it took some doing to convince D.E. parents to agree but they saw where he was coming from.

“He may not want to Rev,” Boomer told him, “but I think he needs to. This is D.E.’s brother we’re talking about here. I know he’s a good kid but he needs to be reminded that not all aliens are the bad guys.”

“But it has been so long since I’ve talked to him,” he tried to say.

“I know bud, they kinda fell off my radar for awhile too. But think of it as a chance for a brand new start.” Before Boomer could knock the door open as D.E.’s mother greeted them. “Hey Molly, long time no see.”

“Hello Mrs. Kennedy,” Rev said with a nod.

“Hi Bobby and it’s good to see you again Ranzack,” she said. “I know Tony didn’t think this was a good idea at first, but he’s always been a little stubborn. I think he’s convinced himself it’s a phase he’s going through.”

“Anything I can do to help Mrs. Kennedy.”

“Speak of the devil,” she said looking out the window. Billy was walking up the sidewalk, head down and carrying a backpack over his shoulder. “I don’t think I’ve seen him smile since it happened,” she added sadly.

“I’m sure seeing Rev again will brighten his mood.” As an afterthought he whispered, “Just in case stay away from the game console.” Rev was the only one who could hear it so he looked at him.

The door opened and Billy didn’t notice them until he was already in the room. “Billy, look who’s come to see you.”

“Hello William, it is good to see you again,” Rev gave him a warm smile as he walked toward him. Billy took a step back so Rev stopped where he was so he wouldn’t intrude on the younger man’s space. “My apologies for not coming by sooner. My duties have kept me rather busy these past few months.

“Whatever,” Billy said, mostly to the floor. His mother started to say something about it but Rev and Boomer put up a hand to keep her quiet.

“But I am here now, I believe that is the saying on this planet.” Rev paused to let him say anything. “I do believe we have much to catch up on.” Billy mumbled something. Rev heard it clearly and wasn’t sure how to react.

Boomer on the other hand, “What did you say Billy? I didn’t hear you clearly.”

“Why did you let my brother die!”, the young boy exploded.

“Billy,” his mother started to say.

“Terry said you could fix just about anything! Why couldn’t you help him?!”

“William it was not that simple.”

“You let him die! I hate you!” Billy ran out the door before anybody could stop him. Boomer, Rev and his mother chased after him but he was already out of sight.

“Rev you come with me,” Boomer said, “and we’ll head this way. Molly you go that way.” While they split up across the street a particular set of neighbor had seen the whole thing. Making sure nobody else was watching they headed in the direction Billy actually went

***
Staying in the corner of the room Chatrox watched as the other members of the “Brain Trust” strategized. Their main concern was how to keep the movement going now that it was back on track. Of course he couldn’t help but notice Jensen was remaining quiet as well. Something about this particular human unnerved him more than usual. Perhaps it was the idea Jensen wouldn’t hesitate to shot him between the eyes if he ever discovered his true nature.

“We can’t make the same mistake as last time,” one of them said. “We’re still the butt of jokes after our ‘alien’ plan blew up in our faces.”

“Yes,” Jensen finally spoke up, “but what exactly? Any ideas Chad?”

It took Chatrox a moment to realize he was being spoken to, “Perhaps we need to show them how serious we are.”

“That doesn’t tell me how,” Jensen told him.

“We execute one of them.” Like he thought that caused a lot of discussion in the group. Surprisingly a majority seemed unsure of the idea. Jensen looked a bit surprised himself at the number of naysayers himself. “If you want these jokes to stop then we have to show them how far we are willing to go.”

“The repercussions…,” one started to say.

“Those repercussions,” Jensen cut him off, “will be from those who are willing to give this planet away. We are in a war gentlemen, it’s about time we started acting like it. Rockwell is right we have to show them we are willing to fight for what is ours. Now we just need a target.”

“Nobody too high place,” Chatrox said. When they looked at him he elaborated, “SPD would be on the case so fast we wouldn’t have time to pull the trigger.”

“He’s right,” another one said.

“So we grab somebody a little lower key,” said one of the few who were behind the idea. “And not just some skag off the street either.”

“Excuse me a second,” somebody said as he took a call. After a few minutes he said, “Bring them up.” To the group he said, “I think we may have our target.”

After a few moments an elderly couple walked in with a small human boy Chatrox found familiar for some reason. After some introductions and some brief small talk the old man turned to the boy and said, “Ok Billy, tell them what you told us.”

***
Working in his office off the side of med bat Rev found it hard to concentrate on his task. He was still worried about William. It had been hours and still nobody had seen him. His parents assured him they didn’t blame him for what happened. It was just something that had built up and finally exploded. He was so caught up in the situation he almost didn’t notice the incoming call on his board. The fact it was coming from off base surprised him, in fact only a few people knew where he was. Answering the call he uncertainly said, “Hello?”

“Ranzack,” a familiar voice responded.

“William? Where are you? How did you access this line?”

“My brother showed me how in case of an emergency.” He was quiet for a moment, “Can I talk to you?”

“Of course you can William.”

“Face to face, I don’t want to talk over the phone.”

“Whatever you wish William.” Giving him his location William had one stipulation. “I will come alone. I will be there as soon as I can.”

***
“Has anybody seen Rev?” Dan asked as he walked into the command room. The last time anybody had seen him was a few hours ago. This wasn’t like him.

“He said something about an errand that just came up,” one of the techs said.

“Anybody see him come back?” Nobody could answer him. “Did he at least say where he was going?” Again silence.

“I tried calling him,” Michelle said as she came into the room, “but he wouldn’t answer.”

“Now I know something’s wrong,” Dan muttered.

“Ace sent Boomer back out to look for him,” she continued.

“Boomer just called in,” Ace announced as she entered as well followed by Target. “He found his License. Whatever happened he was able to activate the ditch function beforehand.”

“What else can go wrong,” Dan muttered to himself. Almost on cue the Major came into the room.

“We might have a situation,” he announced. “We got word through the grapevine that Earth First is planning something big. They want us on standby in case things get out of hand.”

“I had to ask. Did the grapevine have an idea what they were planning?”

“From what we understand they captured an alien and are planning on executing him then send out the video of it afterwards.”

Ace voiced the same thought they all had, “Rev.”

“We have no proof that it’s him,” the Major told them.

“It fits the facts,” Dan said. “Rev’s missing and this is going on.”

“I don’t think I can get you clearance to officially go in without knowing for sure.”

“Then we don’t officially go in,” Dan countered. “We just need to know where he is.”

Before the Major could say anything Michelle, who at this point was busy at her station stood up and told him, “The Major is right Dan, officially we can’t do anything. Like how I can’t tell you officially that Jensen owns a warehouse roughly two miles south of here. And officially I can’t say anything about satellite picking up images of people walking in way after hours. Officially I can’t tell you any of that.”

The Major shook his head while Dan smiled at her. He leaned over the railing and kissed her, “Thank you for not telling me. Come on we got a place not to be.”

While Michelle had a satisfied look on her face Target held back long enough to say, “Looks like you have to not tell him things more often.”

***
A crowd about the same size as the last one ate up Jensen’s every word. And he ate up the rush of indestructibility and power the crowd gave him. Above them in the catwalk a couple of guards patrolled looking for any sign of trouble makers below. For some reason that Rockwell guy insisted they post several guards up there. He had been right about things before so Jensen had three of them put up there. If Rockwell was there he would have put more up there. But since he wasn’t Jensen thought patrolling the grounds was more important.

One guard in particular was paying close attention to the crowd looking for any sign of a trouble maker. Then he felt a breeze that made him turn around. There was a window open that he was positive was closed before. Putting it down to him thinking it was closed he turned back around. Seeing the other two guards he saw two pairs of black gloved hands come out of the shadows and pull them in before they could react. Before he could shout out a warning another gloved hand clamped over his mouth and pulled him back.

Oblivious to all of it below Jensen continued to work the crowd into a frenzy. “I know why you are all here,” he told them. “You want to witness the first shot in the war that will save our planet from these intruders. Let’s call them exactly what they are, invaders. They may have fooled everybody else but not us. But first let me introduce you to a young man that recently came to my attention. Come out here Billy.”

Billy nervously walked out, unsure of what to do as the crowd cheered. Putting an arm around him Jensen continued, “Let me tell you a story this poor boy has told me. You see his late brother called one of these so called visitors his ‘friend’. Even brought him over to his house in a show of that friendship. Then one day something happened and his brother got hurt, badly. This so-called friend did nothing to help and let him die.” The crowd booed loudly which scared Billy but Jensen held him in place. “But tonight we rectify that, tonight we set the wrong things right. Bring this so-called friend out.”

A couple of men dragged Rev out in chains, the crowd jeering loudly. Rev didn’t react to the crowd. Jensen continued, “This is the one Billy’s brother called his friend. Well I call him his executioner. But tonight we will reverse those roles. Tonight young Billy will execute the thing that let his brother die.” He pulled out a semi automatic pistol and handed it to Billy. He froze as he looked at the gun. More than a few in the crowd started to question this decision. A fact that wasn’t lost on Jensen. “Come on kid,” he muttered, “do what your brother would want you to do.”

Billy knew what his brother would have wanted, and this wasn’t it. He backed away defiantly shaking his head no. Then a new voice shouted, “Light it up!” Instinctively Rev lowered his head and tried to shield his eyes a best he could. He even reached out and lowered Billy’s head as well. Jensen and the rest of the crowd naturally looked up. They briefly saw three grenades thrown above their head. Then all of them exploded in a flash of extremely bright light that momentarily blinded them. Three ropes dropped down from the catwalks above them, each connected to an individual in police SWAT gear that quickly descended.

One of the guards tried to blink to clear his vision, all he saw was a black mask a second before there was a couple of blurs and all he saw was ceiling. That man pointed his gun up at the ceiling and fired. The crowd froze after the shot and other two covered the crowd as best they could. “All right Jensen this show is over. Release your hostage and surrender peacefully.”

“I think the ball is in my court,” Jensen said. Holding the gun to Rev’s temple he told them, “I have this skag right where I want him and we have you outnumbered.”

The second of the three whose bulletproof vest hid a feminine figure spoke into the mic under her mask, “If you got the shot take it now.”

That window was left open for a reason. Across the way Target was set up with a clear view of the podium. Getting Jensen in her sites she pulled the trigger. As he went down to a shot to the shoulder the crowd reacted, but not toward them. The flight part of ‘flight or fight’ kicked in and they ran for the nearest exit they could find in a mad rush. The three took that moment to rush the stage to cover Rev, Billy and Jensen. A couple of guards tried to stop them but they were quickly taken care of.

The third one of the group quickly went to Billy while the leader arrested Jensen and the female one checked on their friend. “Are you alright Rev?”

“I am fine Trish,” he answered, “no permanent damage was done.”

“Lucky for them then. That’s twice we almost lost you like that.”

“I was fully prepared to meet the Great Sprit,” Rev told her. Then he added, “But I hope he does not mind that I am relieved that the meeting has been postponed.”

Ace smiled under her mask, “I’m sure he understands.”

***
A couple of hours later Billy was sitting on a curb of a nearby building. Boomer came over and sat next to him in his civvies. “Cap and Ace were able to pull a few strings and you won’t be mentioned in any police report on the matter, at least not in name any way.”

“Why?”, he asked.

“Because you’re Terry’s little brother, and we all owed him a big one. Look I know you’re angry with Rev, but truthfully we all failed him, not just him. I have never seen Rev work so hard or so fast to try and save anybody before.”

“Then why is Terry dead?”, Billy demanded.

“Because Rev only mortal,” he answered, feeling a small pang as he relieved the moment over again. “It hit him harder than anybody when he couldn’t save him. You don’t believe me ask him yourself.”

“He won’t talk to me.”

“Oh Rev’s pretty forgiving. Otherwise he wouldn’t be over there wanting to talk to you. Do you want me to call him over?” Billy barely nodded his head yes. Boomer waved Rev over in the next moment.

“Are you all right William?”, he asked as he came close enough. “I was afraid you were injured in the chaos.”

“I’m sorry,” he said meekly.

“It is alright William,” Rev told him. “You were under some stress. I just wish I could have spoken to you sooner before it built to this level.”

“I’m going to call your folks and let them know you’re alright,” Boomer said. “Why don’t the two of you start that talk now.” Rev sat next to Billy who remained quiet. But with a little gentle nudging they were soon deep in conversation.


-----
ED – Evanescence – Whisper
-----

Great fan fic

Thank you.

Special Police DekaOps
37


-----
OP – Alter Bridge – Metalingus
-----


Michelle received the signal of an unscheduled ship coming in system like the new protocol demanded. A split second later they received an encoded transmission, Commander eyes only. So she promptly transferred it to Major Pierce. A few minutes later he came barging out of his office saying that the team had to get to the orbital station immediately, including the two of them. Several more minutes later they were piled into one of the special shuttle pods and Ace took them to the station. On the way the Major filled them in on the rush.

Shortly after landing they stood in formation as the hanger crew quickly moved the pod out of the way. “This is a waste of time,” Dan muttered.

“Dan,” the Major warned, “remember to play nice.”

“Oh I’ll fake being nice no problem,” he shot back. “But all of this for a gold badge?”

“We’re just being courteous,” he answered. “Just be glad this one didn’t decide to drop in unannounced.”

“I’ve heard stories about the Tokukyou,” Target spoke up. “Are they as bad as they say?”

“We’ve only met a couple,” Ace said.

“And I have met one myself,” Rev added. “They did have an air of confidence around them.”

“What he means,” Dan cut in, “is that they’re all a bunch of arrogant pricks.”

“Dan what did I just say?”, the Major sighed.

“That was me being nice,” he informed him. “Do you want to hear what I really think of them? Because I’m more than willing to share. Besides Goldy isn’t even here yet.”

“Quiet,” Michelle told him, “here comes the ship.” They stood at attention as the ship came closer. The hanger crew quickly did the same. In moments a single person white and black craft passed through the hanger’s force field.

It landed in front of them. A few seconds later the side hatch hissed and opened. Dan and the others were startled to see who came out wearing a Tokukyou uniform. The BlayThrottle on her wrist was altered a bit as the handle was in the middle instead of the side. Her white hair was pulled back in a ponytail but the light blue of her skin and emerald eyes were still the same. Those eyes seemed to twinkle a bit as she smiled at them, “Greeting my friends. It has been far too long a time.”

“Drilian?”, Ace said in disbelief. “You are the last person we expected.”

“Quite,” Rev agreed, “in our last encounter you said your duty was to your King.”

“And that statement is still true,” she answered. “A Commander from SPD personally traveled to my planet and requested my services. With the permission of my King I accompanied him back to SPD headquarters. Apparently word of my quest to retrieve my King’s armor had traveled far and wide. Reports of my tenacity and skill impressed those who are above me from my understanding.”

“Glad to have you aboard,” Ace told her.

“Your message sounded important,” the Major spoke up.

“That is correct,” Drilian reached into a pocket on her uniform and retrieved a datadisc. “Command had received word of something coming through your planetary system that may require the skills you recently obtained.”

“We’ll show you the way to the command deck,” Pierce told her.

As they followed Target asked, “Was the Tokukyou training hard?

“I feared that it would be,” she answered. “Going from a Knight to a Deka seemed a taunting task. Fortunately my skills as a Fourth Level Knight allowed me to complete the training rather quickly. As I had studied intergalactic law during my quest in fear of accidently breaking them in search of my King’s armor, I was pleased at how fast I was able to conquer the program.”

From the rear of the group Dan mumbled, “She picked up some of the arrogance too.” Besides him Michelle elbowed him the ribs and hushed him.

***
Inserting the datadisc into a station Michelle quickly accessed it. Above the table they were standing around a holographic image with a red tint appeared that quickly took the form of an old space cruiser with two external engines in the back. The image started rotating when the Major asked, “So what are we looking at Drilian?”

“That is part of the dilemma,” she answered. “This craft has no markings, no identity beacon and has answered no hails that I am currently aware of.”

“So it’s a derelict?”, Boomer asked.

She shook her head, “That is what my superior thought as well. However the craft has a tendency to alter its course to evade oncoming patrol ships.”

“So it has a pilot,” Dan mused.

“Or a working AI,” Ace added. “Who knows how long that that ship has been going.”

“True,” Drilian agreed. “The erratic behavior is what first drew our attention to this vessel. It quickly rose on the list of priorities when a ship was able to get close enough to pick up a dark matter reading. That reading is on the disc as well”

“I got it,” Michelle said as she pulled the information up. The read out appeared on the screens on the table.

Target studied the data as she leaned against the table. She looked over at Boomer who nodded, seeing the same thing. “I recognize this wave length on the dark matter. Some species have been using it in warheads in missiles. The effect similar to an matter-anti matter explosion if it’s configured right.” Looking up at the others she said, “It’s a pretty recent development too.”

“How recent?”, Dan asked.

“Roughly two years,” she answered.

“I think that might throw out the AI theory,” Ace commented.

Looking over at Drilian Rev asked, “If the ship is carrying weapon grade dark matter why has it not been stopped by now?”

“Because the ship is using star gates so old records of them have been lost for decades if not centuries,” she replied.

“They weren’t totally lost,” Dan said.

“That would be correct Captain,” she told him. “Archivist have been working well past they’re scheduled shifts trying to find them. Those we do know about have had probes sent into them to locate their exit.”

Dan started looking worried, “Combine that knowledge with the usual smugglers tricks and that ship could be off the grid for days before showing up again.”

“Your words ring true Captain,” Drillian told him. “Fortunately researchers have discovered one of the ancient gates in your planetary system, past the planet you call Neptune. And the latest reports indicate that the ship might be heading this way.”

“Drilian, is the location of the gate on the disc?”, Michelle asked. She said it was. In moments the ship was replaced by a map of the solar system. A blinking light past Neptune’s orbit indicated the gate’s location. After a moment Michelle pulled up the location of the nearest star gate on the image, represented by a blinking light just past Saturn. “Using the old gate the ship can jump in without being noticed. Then he can jump from this one before anybody can stop him.”

“That is the craft’s usual pattern,” Drilian said. “Some of the star gate specialist theorizes that the ship can also access the newer gates from the older ones.”

“So nobody knows where he’s jumping from,” Dan said thinking that over. “Do you have any idea when it’s going to get here?”

“I am afraid I do not, part of the reason why asked you to gather here so quickly is because I do not know. It may have entered you system already.”

“Then speed is of the essence,” The Major said. “The only real concern is the ship detecting us as soon as we get there. Ace, does the Tiger have a cloaking system?”

“Not built in,” she answered. “And the Mark V star drive is interfering with the tech we have on the Shepard. Neither team can figure out why yet. But the guys up here came up with a sensor mask. It’s not a cloak but it should hide us from his sensors long enough to get on board.”

“It’ll have to do,” the Major said. “All right team, move out.”

The field team and Drilian all said, “Rodger!”, before running out.

***
They were able to seat Drilian in the back of the Tiger as it left the hanger. Ace pushed the engines as she headed for the SPD emergency gate between Earth and Mars and calculated a quick jump from it to the Saturn gate. From there she pushed them a little harder to cut the time to the ancient gate. “What I wouldn’t give for a little in system jump ability right about now,” she muttered as she kept an eye on the engine readings.

Drilian floated foreword to the main cabin. Target caught her when she missed the handle by the door. “I got you.”

“My thanks my friend,” she said gratefully as she got a grip on the console. “I am afraid my space training was cut short when I was given this assignment.”

“It takes awhile to get you space legs,” Boomer told her.

“Some longer than others,” Rev commented as his antenna started to droop.

“But you got there,” Boomer reminded him.

“Drilian did that ship have any offensive or defensive weapons?”, Ace asked. “That report of yours didn’t say.”

“None involved in any encounters have said,” she replied. “Those that have fired on the craft reported that the hull was more resistant to damage than usual.”

“An extra think hull,” Target mused. “Makes sense considering the cargo. Ace the cutters might have a hard time getting through, if at all.”

“We’ll get through,” she said. “That’s one of the test I make the station crew run when I’m there. I’ll stake my reputation on it.”

“That is not something to state lightly,” Drilian said in total shock.

Ace smirked, “You don’t know my team.”

Boomer added, “You don’t know what she’ll do to them if they make a liar out of her.”

Ace shot a look toward Dan who put a hand up to keep her in place. Looking back at Boomer he said, “That was your freebie for the day. Next time I let her take off the kid gloves.”

“Oh please say something else,” Ace muttered. Boomer promptly shut up and turned his attention back to his station. Drilian still looked confused at the exchange.

Seeing this Rev told her, “You get used to it.”

“It is a tad unsettling to see a team I have worked with before behave in such a manner,” she said.

“This is normal behavior for them,” he explained, “but when the mission starts in earnest they will perform like you saw before.” She took that in and nodded. But she did notice that Dan shot each of the others a look that they acknowledge with a nod. From that point on they acted like the team she witnessed before.

For the next hour and a half small talk was kept to a minimum as they studied their sensors for any sign of the craft. The closer they got to the old gate the more Dan got a sinking feeling in his gut. “Is there any kind of ion trail out there?”, he asked after a bit.

“Not since we left the gate,” Target replied. “It’s practically fresh space out here. Any sort of trail wouldn’t be that hard to spot.”

“Maybe we beat them here,” Boomer offered.

“Or they didn’t come this way at all,” Dan said looking out the front window at a bunch of dark nothing.

“That is a rather pessimistic point of view Captain,” Drilian commented.

“Just keeping the options open until we have something concrete,” he said. “I know from personal experience intelligence can be wrong from time to time.”

“And what do you do in those situations?”

“Depends on how off the intel was. Sometimes I had to make up a plan B on the fly.” None of them saw her nod her head by only the tiniest of margins. Before she could ask anything else alarms started to go off around them.

“We got a gate opening right in front of us!” Target announced.

“Performing evasive,” Ace said a split second later. The Machine tiger rolled out of the way as the portion in space right in front of them started to swirl like a whirlpool. The effect lasted long enough for a large craft to come through. Ace quickly turned the Tiger around to pursue. “Nobody said the gate was that close!”

“My apologies,” Drilian told her. “I was only supplied with the information they gave me.”

“Like I said,” Dan told her. “Ace find a place to park this bird.”

“I’m pulling up the schematics from the datadisc now,” Ace said.

“What about their sensors?”

“I activated the sensor mask as soon we got the alarm. The ship’s not trying to run, it looks like it’s working.”

“We’ll find out for sure in a few moments. Ace do your thing, Drilian you might want to strap in case things get rough.”

“At once Captain,” she quickly headed for the back as Ace flew the Tiger closer to the craft. Catching up with the ship Ace slowed down enough to match its speed she waited until a scan was performed to find a hallway or a large room that matched the schematics they had so they could board. Finding it Ace got closer and let the magnetic clamps do the rest and grab hold and seal the bottom of the Tiger to the hull. “We’re ready to go,” she announced.

“Get ready to board,” Dan ordered. All of them unstrapped themselves and headed for the middle of the ship and turned sideways to face the entry door.

“Activating gravity field,” Target said.

“Activating cutters,” Ace announced as soon as she entered. She watched the screen intently, it took a few extra moments but she got the green light, “We’re through.”

“Ship atmosphere is breathable,” Rev said after a few moments.

“Blow it,” Dan ordered, a brief muffled explosion and metallic clang preceded the entry hatch opening. Alien air hit them almost immediately, but as Rev said they could breathe it. “You cut it a little close there Ace,” he commented as he walked in and noticed how close the entry point was to a back wall.

“At least we’re in,” she shrugged. Dan nodded and waited until everybody was out and the Tiger secured.

“Stay together as much as possible,” he ordered. “Keep an eye out for some kind of access terminal. If we can get a floor plan before whoever is in charge can notice it’ll make our job easier. And look out for anything suspicious, we do not need to be trapped in here.”

“Rodger,” they responded. Drilian held back for a moment and watched them before following.

***
“Now this ain’t right,” a dingy, scraggily looking anubis-seijin said as he looked at his external scanners. For some reason his ship gained weight suddenly. Then an alarm went off, there was a breach in the hull. His first thought was a meteor hit him, it happened enough. But the reading said it was a much larger than a meteor. In fact the emergency bulkheads should have came on to keep the ship pressurized, yet he wasn’t losing any atmosphere in the ship.

Which lead him to the only other explanation, “I’ve been boarded. I tell ya it’s getting to the point a smuggler can’t to any decent business any more. Hey gasket head!”

An Igadroid covered in various metal plates walked in, “What is it.”

“I think it’s pirates. This far out it can’t be anybody else.”

“I’ll deal with them.”

“Good.” As the Igadroid exited the pilot muttered, “Slag it I thought pirates didn’t steal from their own kind.”

***
They found a terminal soon enough. It took Boomer a few extra minutes to decode the encryption. He muttered something about an, “Original encryption program,” and wishing Micelle was here. He pumped his fist slightly when he finally broke it, “Got it.” Working fast he was able to download a map of the ship before he was locked out. “It’s a different encryption program,” he said looking it over. “It looks totally different.”

“We’ll work with what we have,” Dan said.

Drilian spoke up, “I do not wish to question your authority Captain, but is that action wise to take?”

“Seeing how long it took him to decrypt the first one I think it is,” he explained. “No offence Boomer.”

“Non taken Cap,” he said as transferred the map to the other’s Opslicense. “So what’s the plan?”

Studying the map for a couple of moments Dan said, “We try and take the bridge.”

Eyebrows raised in surprise Drillian went, “A rather daring plan of action. Would it not be wiser to disable the engines?”

“Normally I’d say yes but look here,” he showed her the map. “It looks like the engine room is right below the cargo bay.”

“It looks that way to me too,” Ace agreed.

“And if I was the one piloting this thing I’d fix it so some of that dark matter fell right on top of anybody who tried to tamper with the ship’s engines.”

“And we don’t know how ‘dirty’ those engines are,” Ace told her. “I saw the ion trail readings as we were coming up behind this hunk of junk, it wasn’t anything within the norm.”

“So the bridge it is then,” Drilian concluded. “I am amazed you determined that course of action so quickly. For a moment I thought you were attempting a feat of daring bravado.”

“Huh?”, Boomer asked.

“She thought Cap was going to do something stupid,” Target translated for him.

“Oh,” Boomer said in understanding.

“We’re wasting time,” Dan told them. “The bridge is going to be hard enough to take as it is. Ignore any elevators and take the service ladders. The longer we can hide ourselves the better.” They acknowledged what he said and headed for the nearest ladder. With Dan taking point he used his surveillance gear to make sure the area was clear before signaling everybody else down.

“He does this often?”, Drilian asked Rev while waiting for him to signal.

“It is part of his standard behavior,” he said. “Captain Stevens has two main priorities, the mission and the safety of the rest of us. I thought it was strange at first myself. But it works for him somehow.”

“We all go home or none of us go home,” Ace said repeating one of Dan’s mottos. Drilian absorbed that bit of information as Ace’s License went off, “Ops5 here.”

“A wave of Batsuroids just went past the opening,” Dan said in hushed tones over the link. “I counted at least eight.” There was silence for several moments, “They’re waiting by one of the elevators. I got an idea.”

After listening to his plan they went to work immediately. Boomer hovered in the elevator just long enough to hit the down button and get out of there. “Elevator in use,” one of them Batsuroids said. They positioned themselves for the maximum amount of damage in case the target was hostile. The door opened but nobody was inside. One of them looked down and saw a device on the floor. Before they could react it exploded sending shrapnel in their direction. Dan, Ace and Target took care of any left standing with their SP-Shooters.

“The pirates are hostile,” a voice said over an old intercom. “All forces to section three.”

“We’re pirates now?”, Boomer smirked.

“Aye matey,” Ace joked as they ran down the hallway.

“They knew we were on board,” Rev reminded them.

“That’s why we have to hurry,” Dan said. Before long they came up on a force of Batsuroids and Anaroids lead by a patched up Igadroid. “Change standby. Emergency! DekaOps!”

Each of them was surrounded by a digital field. Dekametal formed around them in a burst of bright light forming a black bodysuit. A colored striped ran down their body from the top of their shoulder to their boots, a number forming on the left side of their chest. “Face on!” Dekametal flowed around their heads forming a helmet.

“Special Police!” The lights on their helmets flashed to life, “DekaOps!”

“Emergency!” Drilian said bringing her BrayThrottle up to her chest and hit the button on the front of it. “DekaKnight!” A gold and blue digital field surrounded her as the Dekametal formed around her. A silver bodysuit with dark blue highlights on her shoulders, , hips and inner legs covered her. A gold roman numeral number 6 appeared on the left side of her chest. “Face on!”, Dekametal formed around her head forming a helmet with a visor with vertical slots. With her feet together, left slightly back, she held her right arm to her chest, two finger extended. “The honorable detective of the skies.” Slashing her arm to the side she exclaimed, “DekaKnight!”

“Stop the intruders,” the Igadroid ordered.

“Take ‘em,” Dan said at the same time. The two forces charged each other. Dan took on the Igadroid head on. Ace and Boomer battered through the bots with their D-Rods. At the same time they activated the Rods’ energy field and sliced through the same one. Rev ran at a group of Anaroids before jumping up and landing feet first on the Batsuroid behind them. Target jumped and flipped out of the way firing her D-Shooter when she had a clean shot.

Drilian pulled down the handle of her Throttle and revved it twice before snapping it back in place. “Lightning justice,” her left hand to crackle with energy. A small energy trail following her movements as she sliced through the Aneroids and Batsuroids unfortunate enough to get in her way. Her movements were almost dance like as she made her way through. At a snap of her fingers they exploded and fell to the ground.

“Glad you’re on our side,” Ace commented while she had a few moments to watch.

Dan was able to force the Igadroid after getting close enough to plunge his D-Knife into its’ shoulder. The bot stumbled back into a control panel. “Time to get spaced,” it said and slammed a fist on the panel. An alarm claxon went off a few moments before the wall next to them started to open.

“Shit,” Dan muttered as the air started to rush out of the opening. He did not see that one coming.

“Nooo!”, Drilian cried out as she couldn’t find anything to hold on to and was sucked out the opening.

Grabbing their OpsLicense they held them over their heads, “EXO Mode!”

Lowering the License in front of them a digital field grid came from the badge and ran up their arm and over their bodies. The field expanded in places as Dekametal filled in the spaces forming black armor plating. Rockets formed at various places on their back, shoulders and waists. A breathing device formed on the lower half of their helmets. A colored number formed on the left side of their chest as they slotted their License on the right.

“Ops5 locked in!”

“Ops4 locked in!”

“Ops3 locked in!”

“Ops2 locked in!”

“Ops1 locked in!”

“I’m after Drilian,” Dan announced before jumping after her.

“Give him a place to land,” Ace ordered as the rest of them took care of the bots and tried to keep the Igadroid from closing the opening again.

Using the helmet’s targeting computer Dan locked in on Drilian tumbling form and had the rockets on his back as high as they could go. “Got you,” he said as he grabbed her around the waist. Flipping around he aimed himself at the ship. “Keep that door open!”, he shouted as he saw the opening getting smaller.

“I’m working on it,” Ace said. “It’s an automatic system I can’t stop it.”

“This is going to be close,” he said through gritted teeth as he read the heads up on his visor. The closer they got the more he positioned himself to protect Drilian if the opening got too small. Then it occurred to him that they wouldn’t be able to make if he tried to slow them enough to stop from crashing into the barge. At the last possible second he cut the rockets on his back and used the smaller shoulder one to turn him around so his back slammed the interior wall. “Ugh,” he grunted from the impact. After a few seconds the opening closed and the hall was repressurized.

“That’s one way to come to a stop,” Ace said as Rev checked on both of them.

“Never mind me,” he said, “check on Drilian.”

“I am… I’m fine,” she finally said. “My armor protected me long enough for you to rescue me. Captain Stevens you have my eternal gratitude.”

“Just doing my job,” he said as they stood up. “What’s the situation Ace?”

“Igadroid got away with a couple of bots,” she told him. “I’m pretty sure they headed for the bridge.”

“Then let’s hurry before they have a chance to fortify their position even more,” Dan said. “Drilian can you go on?”

“I am able to continue the task Captain,” she answered. “I am grateful for your concern for my well being.”

“What did I tell you?”, Ace chimed in. “We all go home or none of do.”

***
“The pirates were SPD?!?!”, the pilot shouted at the Igadroid. “Tell me you spaced some of them at least.”

“I attempted to,” the Igadroid answered, “unfortunately the ones wearing the black badges activated a power up I haven’t seen before.”

“A black badge unit?! Oh slag we are in it deep now.”

“One wearing a gold badge tumbled out but the one in charge of the black badges retrieved her.”

“A tokukyou too? How worse can it get? I’m getting too old for this crap.”

“SPD is approaching,” one of the surviving Batsuroids announced. A few rounds of fire followed the electronic squawk in the next moment.

“The Igadroid rushed out there to see Dan standing by a similar set of controls that it used earlier, “Anybody want to bet on what this does?” He hit the control before the bot could stop him. The door to the bridge snapped shut before another wall opened up. The Igadroid was sucked outside into open space. “We’re going EVA,” Dan ordered and they followed it out into space.

“What the slag are they doing?”, the pilot wondered. Then he got an alert that the passage way behind the door was pressurizing. The door opened up revealing DekaKnight standing there. “No, no, no, no!”

“Transporting illegal good, carrying weapon grade dark matter,” Drilian said as she stepped forward. “Villain your day of judgment is at hand.” Holding her BrayThrottle toward him she hit a control causing a small screen to flip down. A tiny, mechanical voice announced, “Judgment time!” A red X and a blue circle flashed between them. In the minute that was happening a special court was deciding the case. Finally the red X decided his fate. “Deletion approved.”

Grabbing the handle of the BrayThrottle she revved it three times then pulled it down all the way. At the top of it a blade of energy shot out, “Sword of Virtue.” She twirled around and slashed the pilot three times before stopping with her back turn toward him. “Got you,” she threw the thumbs down as he was deleted.

Outside the ship Dan and the others were knocking the Igadroid, keeping it tumbling, making sure it couldn’t get off a clear shot at one of them. “Line up!” Dan ordered. Falling in on either side of him he put his left hand over his shoulder toward his back. “D-Cannon!” Aiming them foreword he ordered, “Sight up!” A targeting reticule in their visors appeared. It hovered in their vision before locking in on the Igadroid, “Strikeout!” The Igadroid was destroyed in the next second.

“Captain Stevens I cannot seem to stop this craft,” Drilian said over the link.

“Just get us in Drilain,” Dan told her. “Ace can take care of it.”

“Acknowledged.” Finding the control in the bridge Drilian opened the wall and let them in. In moments Ace was in there and going over the controls. In less time than that she had them at a full stop.

She smiled behind the helmet, “That was easier that I thought it was going to be.”

“Ace are the star maps still intact?”, Dan asked.

“Let me check.” After a moment she said, “It looks complete to me.”

“Boomer contact the orbital base, tell Michelle to send some techs to guard this thing and arrange for command to pick this up. Also tell her were going to hook up a D-Hack and try to download the computer’s star maps. More than one Alienizer probably knows about those old gates, we need to cut out that advantage as soon as possible.”

“That was your plan all along,” Drilain said, “to discover the location of the ancient star gates.”

“It was a secondary objective,” he admitted. “My main goal was to stop this thing. Since we were here we might as well help command complete those archives while we’re at it.”

***
When they got back to the orbital station they convinced Drilain to stay and rest up a bit instead of leaving right away. She walked the halls to the field team quarters with Michelle and Dan, “Thank you for your hospitality my friends.”

“There’s no point to rush of,” Michelle told her, “besides we hardly had any time to talk the last time you were here. And it’s good to just unwind from a mission every so often.”

“It is my understanding that space is limited on this station. Where will I be resting?”

“You can stay in my room,” she said.

“Will I not be putting you out?” she asked.

“Not exactly,” she said squeezing Dan’s arm and giving her a wicked grin.

“Not in front of the guest,” he told her. “Michelle’s room is over there. If you need anything we’ll either be in the rec room or in this room over here.”

“Of course, thank you again my friends.” Driian entered the room and made sure the door was locked. Pulling an SPD communication disc out of her pockect she placed it on the desk in the room and activated it.

A bald head with pointed ears stared at her, “Report.”

“The mission was accomplished as I said it would be,” she said.

“And your observations?”

“Captain Stevens preformed exactly like I thought he would. He was even able to surprise me with his tactical ability.”

“So you’re saying he’s a candidate.”

Drilian bit her lip, “I receive the feeling he would be… resistant to the idea.”

“He’ll come around. I’ll observe myself to make the final determination. Remember you cannot tell him about this or any of his unit, not even his commander. Is that understood?”

“I hear and I will obey Commander Solen.” She ended the transmission and stared at the disc for a long time. Captain Stevens was an honorable man and in the short time they knew each other he apparently trusted her. Now if only she didn’t feel like she was betraying that newly won trust by keeping this from him.


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ED – Evanescence – Whisper
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