23: 00
SNA Conference Hall, Academy Building, New Eden
General Overlord ran a quick glance on the officers standing in front of him. He was feeling that he was shaking. But he couldn't determine why. Was it because he was excited? Was it because he was angry? Or was he just scared? He had spent decades in the line of duty. He had once fought on the cruellest of fronts during the Third World War. Back then he didn't feel shaken by anything. So why now? Did the peace and the days sitting behind the desk weaken his mind?
He sighed softly. He didn't need the answer to that question. The answer didn't matter. What mattered was what was coming. He looked back at his officers again and started talking.
"Listen up—we've got minutes, not hours, so I'll make this clear. Intelligence confirms New Eden will be hit. We don't know their numbers or firepower, so assume it's everything they've got. This island isn't just dirt and steel—it's the backbone of SNA. If it falls, our strength fractures. Billions who rely on us lose hope. Nations under our protection become vulnerable overnight. You know what follows. Chaos. Collapse.
Every one of you is critical. Prepare like your lives depend on it—because they do. Not all of us will survive this night. But if you fall, you fall, buying time for thousands to live. For futures to endure.
DIs—shield the new blood. They're the fight beyond tonight. The rest of you: Stay sharp. Watch the skies, the water, the shadows. Let nothing slip past.
We are the wall. And tonight? This wall does not break. New Eden stands. Make sure of it."
General Overlord got down from the podium and got straight out of the hall without waiting for anything. A brigadier got on the podium and said, "Keep your PDA close to you. You'll receive your instructions on it soon." The Brigadier too got down and left the hall along with the rest of the officers who came with the general.
Elena was left frozen by General Overlord speech. She got back to reality as De Luca shook her shoulder.
"Elena? What happened?"
"Nothing. Let's go. We have to get ready."
Elena was shocked at herself. She couldn't find the answers to why she was feeling excited.
23:32
Sector - 14, Inventory District, New Eden
Elina, De Luca and Sifat were walking through the roads in between multiple huge warehouses. All three of them had their combat uniforms on with SNA emblems and the flags of their home countries strapped to their right arm sleeves with Velcro. They had Glock-19s in a sidearm holster strapped to their right thigh and had AK-15s in their hands. De Luca's AK-15 was hanging with his back by a rifle sling as he was holding the leash of his dog. A brown German Shepherd, wearing a utility vest. The whole area was dark as the island was under blackout.
Sifat tried to break the awkward silence. He pulled on the strap of his helmet as he said, "Urgh. These things are uncomfortable af. Ahh, I wanted those cool-looking full-face helmets. They even have so many more features."
De Luca chuckled and replied, "Those aren't for us, Sifat. You need to become an actual specialist to wear that. Those things are expensive, you know? What if you break it?"
Sifat looked at De Luca with a disappointing face and said, "Just go along with my complaints sometimes, will you?"
"Why don't you learn to complain a bit less?"
Sifat made a hurt face and melodramatically complained, "Elina, help. De Luca's bullying me… Elina?"
Sifat and De Luca both looked towards Elina and saw her walking beside them with a blank mind.
De Luca shook her shoulder as he called, "Uhm, Elina? Sergeant Elina Parker, are you alive?"
Elina broke out of her trance and quickly looked at De Luca as she said, "Hmm? Yeah, yeah. What happened?"
De Luca removed his hand from Elina's shoulder as he said, "You were spacing out. Are you okay?"
Elina rubbed her face with her left hand as she said in a calm tone, "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I've just been thinking. Who would be courageous enough to attack New Eden? And if we're ready to face such a confrontation this early in our career."
Sifat shrugged and said, "Courageous? More like stupid. New Eden is the HQ of the biggest and most powerful military in the history of humanity. I can't think of a more stupid decision than to attack this island. As for confrontation, just keep your mind clear and fight. This should be over soon. They're bound to realise their mistake not long after the first attack hits this place."
Elina looked down and replied, "I hope that's the case."
They went silent again.
23: 41
General Overlord's Office, Academy Building, New Eden
Rahat Ahmed entered his office and walked straight to his chair. He threw himself on his chair as he took off his cap and threw it on the table. He opened a drawer on the right side of his table and took out a cigar kit. He lit a cigar and puffed it. He leaned back on his chair as he let out the smoke and said, ARIA, connect me with Sage.
ARIA's voice came through the speaker: Yes, General. Connecting…
A few minutes later, General Sage's voice came through the speaker, "What happened, Overlord?"
Rahat Ahmed puffed on his cigar for another time and said, "Did you read the file I sent you?"
"I did. Is this true?"
"As far as the incidents have been happening, it seems like it is true."
"I see. I've ordered all SNA brigades in Western Europe to be on guard for any oncoming attacks. I don't see what other thing I can do for now."
"Not much. But I need you to meet with the princess."
"Hmm? Which princess?"
"Annabelle. I need you to meet with her and ask her to convince him to come back. We need him."
"Him… wait, are you talking about…?"
"Yes. If a large-scale war breaks out right now, SNA wouldn't be able to focus on anything else other than the war. And we currently only have 3 specialists with us. If we're to end the war, we'll need him. I believe he's proven what he can do before."
"I see what you're trying to say. But… But is bringing him back the right choice for SNA? He knows too much. What if he rattled? Isn't that the reason we had to oust him in the first place?"
"I know. But that doesn't matter anymore. We had to pull off the charges after the mission report of Operation Juggernaut was leaked anyway. He's a free man now. If he wants, he can reveal the details of project Spectre right now, and we wouldn't be able to do a thing. I don't see any reason for us to not use an asset like him."
"I see. Okay, I'll send someone."
"No. You yourself go. Go and meet him with the princess yourself. You going yourself will give him a picture of how dire the situation is."
"Hmm. OK. I'll go."
"Thank you. ARIA, cut the transmission."
He was about to puff on his cigar when someone knocked on his door. The person from the other side of the door said, "Sir, the preparations are done."
He doused the cigar by pressing it on the ashtray and put it on the ashtray as he got up. He picked up his cap and walked towards the door as he said, "Let's go."