[The night before the operation]
The night sky hung over Neo Aetheria like a shroud, the city's neon lights casting an eerie glow across its futuristic landscape. In the dimly lit room of his orphanage, Alexander sat alone at his desk, the glow of holographic screens illuminating his contemplative expression. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, emotions, and conflicting desires.
The holographic interface displayed a map of the city, marked with various points of interest and potential allies. Among them was a contact he had been avoiding for some time—Orlov, the enigmatic figure who had offered him a deal that promised power, influence, and a chance to secure his own future.
The deal had been tempting, even seductive, whispering promises of escape from the cycle of uncertainty and danger that had become his life. Yet, as he sat there in the quiet of the night, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was on the precipice of a decision that would shape not only his own fate but the fate of the team he had come to see as his new family.
His fingers hovered over the holographic display, uncertainty gnawing at him. The holographic image of Orlov's symbol seemed to pulse, almost mocking his hesitation. The voice in his mind, a mix of his own desires and the warnings of his teammates, battled for dominance.
"I could gain power, control, and security," he thought, his gaze fixed on the holographic screen.
As his fingers tapped on the holographic interface, he accessed a hidden folder containing encrypted messages exchanged with Orlov. The messages revealed the details of the deal, the promises of resources and protection, and the dismantling of the oppressive regime that had taken hold of Neo Aetheria. Orlov's words were persuasive; his rhetoric was laced with charisma and a sense of urgency.
The holographic screens flickered as he navigated through the messages, his mind racing as he weighed the pros and cons. He knew that whatever choice he made would define his path moving forward. He then replied.
Orlov,
I'll tell you the cybernetics coordinate by sundown, here's the agreement. The location information for the cybernetic is attached. Use the individuals I have there; don't try to 'neutralize' them. Anderson, Sylvia, Kaye, Denver, Ethan, and Vincent are their names. These people are my greatest assets. This would be your insurance that I would abide by our agreements. As for the body, I'll let you know the following day. Think of it as an assessment to evaluate how well we get along.
_Cross
The night was still as Alexander's message to Orlov was sent into the digital void. The room's faint hum of machinery seemed to intensify in the silence that followed. Alexander's fingers rested on the holographic interface, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The die was cast; the message had been sent. There was no turning back now.
As he stared at the holographic screens, a mixture of emotions surged within him. Doubt wrestled with determination, and the weight of his decision settled heavily on his shoulders. He knew that his choice to provide the cybernetics' coordinates was a dangerous gamble—one that could have dire consequences for both his team and the city they were fighting to free.
The holographic display blinked, indicating a response. Orlov's reply materialized on the screen, a cold and calculating string of text.
Cross,
Your cooperation is noted. The coordinates will be verified, and the extraction team will be dispatched at dawn. We expect no further deviations from our agreement. The assessment of our collaboration shall proceed as planned.
_Orlov.
The stakes had never been higher, and the sense of unease that had been growing within him intensified. But he was aware that higher risk carries higher reward.. This was how he became CEO of his past life.
Alexander continued to prepare for the big event tomorrow.
[The day of the operation]
The sun had risen over Neo Aetheria, casting its radiant glow across the city's futuristic landscape. The day of the operation had finally arrived, and the city buzzed with palpable tension. Every step and every decision were a part of the intricate dance that would determine the outcome of their high-stakes mission.
As the city's inhabitants went about their routines, unaware of the impending operation, I moved with a purpose that belied the storm of emotions raging within me. My preparations had been meticulous, my steps calculated. The memory of the night before lingered in the back of my mind, and the weight of my decision to send that message to Orlov was a constant reminder of the path I had chosen.
I arrived at the location I had chosen to cover Kaye. I set up the turret with the attached camera. The anticipation of the upcoming events crackled in the air, the hum of the city's machinery providing a discordant soundtrack to my thoughts.
With the turret ready and the camera feed active, I connected my HoloTech to a drone. The sight of the drone soaring above would be least expected, and having the HoloTech mimic 'Anderson's' presence to the turret would ensure the success of the operation.
My steps led me to another location, this time atop a towering structure. From here, I had a clear view of the escort's route and the sprawling expanse of Neo Aetheria. The bustling city seemed almost oblivious to the turmoil brewing beneath the surface and to the clash of factions and ideologies that would converge in a clash of chaos and conflict.
I held my breath as I watched the escort approach. The factions—The Brotherhood, CROX, 7th Pride, The Strays, Neurotica, and the freelance Mercs—had converged, each driven by their own motivations and objectives. The Pacifiers moved with a fluidity and precision that matched their training and skill, defending the vehicle containing the faulty cybernetics with an unwavering resolve. Then the ASED's checkpoints and roadblocks were evident; the ASED seemed to make a path to the ATech Laboratories, an ArmedTech-funded lab.
As the escort's path unfolded, I monitored their movements through the camera feed and Enforcers were on our trail. My fingers hovered over the console, ready to intervene at a moment's notice.
"Ethan, Kaye is about to be compromised by ASED enforcers. We need to act." I communicated.
"I'm on the move. Anderson, cover me from the northwest corner." Kaye's voice resonated through the communication channel.
The tension in the air was palpable; a collective breath was held as the factions jockeyed for position, with the Pacifiers a formidable force keeping them at bay. I adjusted the turret's aim, my focus unwavering as I anticipated the moment when the Enforcers would follow. Then I went for the explosive barrels. This would give Kaye and 'Anderson time to escape.
"Kaye is clear," I reported.
Then I went back to Kaye's side at the same time as I controlled the drone with 'Anderson's' display. I quickly got my HoloTech and hid it behind my back, merging our two appearances together and now displaying as 'Anderson'.
One by one, the team members arrived at an alley. V drives on a corner, signaling us to come over. Then V drove to a dimly lit warehouse. As the chaos unfolded, I felt a mixture of awe and anxiety. The precision of the operation, the intricate dance of factions and Pacifiers, was both mesmerizing and nerve-wracking. Our coordination and planning were being put to the ultimate test, with every move a crucial piece in the puzzle. The tension in my shoulders eased slightly as I watched the outcome of our efforts unfold.
I then sent the message with our coordinates to Orlov.
But the respite was short-lived. A loud voice crackled urgently in my ear, pulling me back to the present.
F***, she's frying! "
"Kaye, what's happening? Are you alright?"
"I'm... I'm not sure. Something's gone wrong with the cybernetic. It's... it's as if it's fighting back."
"Kaye, we need to shut it down. Disconnect from the system now! Denver, unplug the hacking link quick!"
"I believe we need Kaye to disconnect from the system before I unplug. She'd be trapped there forever! Kaye, you can do this. You've got to override the system and shut it down."
"Kaye, focus on isolating the source of the malfunction. We need to pinpoint the problem before it overwhelms you."
"You've got this, Kaye. We're here with you."
"I think I've got it. There's a feedback loop in the neural interface. It's amplifying the energy within the cybernetic, causing the malfunction."
"You can do it, Kaye. Disable the neural interface and halt the energy feedback."
"I'm in the system, and I've gained control of the cybernetic. We're ready for the next phase."
"I did it!"
Then things happened. Everything was... Red. It was then that I remembered what the Mercs said: anyone who tries to breach a Haywire cybernetics has its consequences.
The air was thick with tension as everyone watched in horror. As everyone was on the edge, I tried to be as comforting as possible and tried to calm everyone, suggesting that we make a grave for Kaye.
As we gathered around the makeshift grave, heads bowed in a moment of silent reflection, we paid our respects to our fallen comrade. The holographic screens that had once illuminated their faces with strategic plans now projected a holographic image of Kaye, reminding them of her strength and dedication.
But the night was not over. The Brotherhood's arrival was imminent; their motives and intentions were unknown. My fingers tapped on the holographic interface, sending out a silent communication to the team. The city's neon lights cast long shadows, a reminder that danger was lurking in the darkness. But to me, it was an opportunity.
As we kept watch, a faint rustling caught my attention. Figures emerged from the shadows, their movements purposeful and determined. Roaring Engines were heard. I felt relief as my plans were executed smoothly. But my relief suddenly shifted towards a rush of adrenaline. It was not the Brotherhood that was coming; it was The CROX.
The situation had escalated beyond our control. The CROX members surrounded us, their imposing presence casting long shadows in the dimly lit warehouse. Our backs were against the wall, and the tension in the air was electric. But as the CROX closed in, there was no room for fear, only calculated action.
With the warehouse now our fortress, we exchanged tense glances, each member of the team understanding the gravity of the situation. The odds were stacked against us, with the CROX outnumbering us significantly. The faint hum of the city's machinery seemed to underscore the urgency of the moment—a symphony of uncertainty and danger.
I glanced at the holographic interface on my wrist, the map of the area displaying the positions of our team members, and the advancing CROX. We were a small group, but our unity and determination were our strengths.
The team moved with precision, distributing weapons and equipment from the vehicle. Each member armed themselves, eyes fixed on the entrance of the warehouse, ready for the impending clash. Denver's determination to equip the malfunctioning cybernetic hung in the air like a heavy decision, a move that could turn the tide in our favor or lead to dire consequences.
"Everyone cover me! I'll equip that cybernetic! Denver's voice rang out, his words carrying a sense of urgency.
Sylvia's response was swift and direct. "Are you dumb? You'll go haywire!"
But Denver was resolute, his gaze unyielding as he moved towards the cybernetics. His decision was a gamble, one that could either give us the edge we needed or tip the balance even further against us.
"We have no other choice! Either we exterminate those bastards or we all follow Kaye!" Denver's determination was palpable, his commitment to the cause unwavering.
"Damn it! I can't afford to lose another one!" Sylvia's voice held a mix of frustration and concern as she rushed forward, intending to intervene.
Vincent's swift reaction prevented a potential confrontation. He pulled Sylvia back, his expression grave but resolved. "You know what? Our team seems to have death wishes. But Denver might be right. We've got to survive!"
Vincent's words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the stakes we faced. There was no room for hesitation. As Vincent rallied us, his call for cover fire echoed through the warehouse, the sound of gunfire filling the air as we fought to hold our ground.
Denver's figure moved like a blur as he rushed outside the warehouse, his determination clear. The CROX members reacted swiftly, unleashing a barrage of projectiles at him. But Denver's enhanced reflexes and newfound abilities allowed him to dodge and deflect with uncanny precision.
"Hey guys! Watch me!" Denver's voice carried through the chaos, a rallying cry that united us in our shared goal.
We responded with a renewed barrage of firepower, focusing our efforts on the CROX members who had momentarily diverted their attention to Denver. The warehouse became a battleground, with the clatter of bullets, shockwaves. and the hiss of energy-based projectiles creating a symphony of combat.
Denver's figure weaved through the crossfire, his movements a blend of skill and cybernetic augmentation. The malfunctioning cybernetic device he equipped seemed to pulse with energy, its effects unpredictable. But as Denver engaged the CROX members in close combat, it became evident that his abilities had been amplified to an astonishing degree.
Amidst the chaos of the battle, a voice rang out, laden with anger and frustration.
"You're that guy! It seems like we will have another round."
It was Kai, confident that he could match an opponent with immense cybernetic enhancement. It was then that I remembered the day of the Haywiring incident, where the CROX performed an operation on the cybernetic.
As I deduced the scene, I came to the conclusion that the CROX may have planted a layer of security in the cybernetics system that only they could decipher. It must have caused Kaye to fry her brains.
The battle between the combat prodigies continued, but Kai this time was outmatched. With the CROX on his side, they performed another incapacitation technique in Denver, similar to the one they did back then. This made Denver unable to move.
"RE*&%M3M&*BER_ME!" Denver shouted with a distorted voice. A familiar tone to me.
The warehouse was plunged into chaos as Denver's unleashed electromagnetic force sent shockwaves through the room, knocking everyone off their feet and causing equipment to spark and malfunction. The force of the blast was immense, and the impact left us disoriented and struggling to regain our bearings.
As the dust settled and the ringing in our ears subsided, we slowly picked ourselves up, our eyes widening as we took in the aftermath of Denver's unleashed power. The once dimly lit warehouse was now flickering with malfunctioning lights, debris littering the ground, and the smell of burned circuits filling the air. But Denver was nowhere to be seen.
"Denver!" Vincent's voice was laced with concern as he scanned the room, his eyes searching for any sign of our comrade amidst the chaos.
"He's gone," Sylvia muttered, her voice a mix of shock and disbelief. "What the hell just happened?"
The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. Denver's cybernetics, which had already shown signs of instability, had now escalated beyond control. The consequences of equipping that malfunctioning cybernetic were playing out before our eyes, and Denver had become a force of destruction.
But there was no time to dwell on our shock. The Brotherhood's arrival was imminent, their figures emerging from above a hovering aircraft. They moved with coordinated precision, their weapons trained on us as they closed in. The Brotherhood's motives were shrouded in mystery, their allegiances and goals known only to themselves. With their arrival, the CROX had no choice but to retreat again.
"Damn it! Not again! Retreat!" Kai shouted, signaling the CROX to retreat.
"Don't worry about them; Priority is the machine," The leader of the commander whispered through their communication device.
"You guys seem to fit the description; what are your names? The wrong answer means death," the Brotherhood leader asked us.
It then occurred to me that Orlov has integrity and has abided by our agreement. "I'm Anderson," I replied.
"Then you must be Ethan, Vincent, and Sylvia. Im guessing the other two are dead. Anyway, we were sent here by Orlov; it seems he had a deal with a person named Cross," The leader exclaimed.
"Just play along. We have no other choice," Vincent whispered to the rest of the members.
"Cross? You mean Alexander Cross?" Ethan asked back.
"The name given was just Cross. Anyway, you guys are coming with us," the Leader replied back. "Guys, bring some Medkits and patch them up, and how are we doing dealing with the junk?"
Neutralized, Sir, and ready for extraction," a subordinate responded.
"Good. Orlov is waiting for us; make haste!" The Leader commanded all of the Brotherhood.
The rest of us were shocked to see how fast they incapacitated Denver.
And, after seeing that all of our conditions are met, I messaged Orlov discreetly, making sure other members did not raise any suspicions about me.
Orlov,
I see that all of our conditions are met. The body is being delivered to ATech Laboratories. Estimated time: 12 h. Pleasure doing biz.
_Cross