Nick managed to slip through the bathroom window (where else, really...), trying to move as quietly as possible. He looked around, fearful of seeing the assailants checking the space between buildings. Luckily for him, the enemy seems to be focused on searching the buildings. But before he decided where to move, the stolen communicator of the deceased enemy soldier came back to life:

"Command, Salvation 4 is down! Someone shot him in the neck! Pulse weaponry, small caliber!" came out of the dynamic, in which Nick quickly turned down the volume. "Must've been the local resident! Sending the data!"

"Did you find the item?!"

"Negative! Scanner reading's red!"

"Identification complete. It is Nick Bourbon, the human masseur." another more sinister voice came through. It sent shivers through the body of the human man. "The files indicate he recently settled here. On a station with almost no humans. This can't be a coincidence."

"Salvation Team, Exaltation Team, Deliverance Team - prepare for a search-and-destroy mission!" commanded the apparent leader of the ground forces. "You are dealing with a UEF agent! The item must be with him! Weapons free, kill on sight!!! Prepare for the "Searchlight" boost!!!"

"Oh, shit!!!!!!" Nick started running, realizing how seriously he just fucked up. Maybe it was better to just surrender when he had a chance, but there was no proof that he wouldn't get gunned down immediately. Before escaping, he also grabbed the Vitae that Arteris gave to him. Are they searching for this? He knew it is very rare, but worthy of a terrorist attack on the Cornucopia? He had no idea what was going on, but he had to get as far from this place as possible. That "Searchlight" thingy definitely sounded like trouble.

""Searchlight" boost complete! Item spotted!!! Moving north!!! Designated Teams - move onto the target!"

"Roger that!"

"Find the Vitae. It is essential to our plans. Not even the Deathworlders of Earth will stand in our way."

Meanwhile, the local law enforcement forces were frantically trying to get everything under control. The intruders seemingly appeared out of thin air, spawning in all of the station's locations. Their bulk was focused on the Cornucopia Police Department HQ and its smaller stations. Despite being well-armed and organized, the lawmen were unable to break through the siege.

"Station 2, report." Commissioner was standing before several dozen of screens, each either showing active camera footage, maps of the areas, or important contacts. He was very irritated but kept it down with the long-instilled discipline.

"This is Station 2, we are pinned down! Insurgents are using heavy weaponry! We can't push them back!" reported the sweating officer in command. Intense shooting and screaming were heard in the background. "Requesting backup!!!"

"You'll have it as soon as possible. Hold your position. Don't play heroes."

"Understood!"

"Station 3, report!"

"This is Station 3, we've almost broken through the enemy encirclement! They were attacked from behind!"

"Did you identify who did this?!"

"Fighters on the frontline claim to see civilian-grade robots with powerful makeshift weapons. Judging by the trademark, they belong to the local Grem'No constructor! They are hailing us and asking where the help is needed!"

"Excellent! Anything else?"

"Yes, sir! The one controlling them says that a group of drones was dispatched to the Nova District! She claims her friend is living there!"

"As long as she stays out of harm's way, let her do it! Report back as soon as you deal with these criminals!"

"Yes, sir!!!"

"Station 4, report!"

"This is Station 4, we've received heavy support from the local resident! Her personal guards are shredding the enemy to pieces!!!"

"Who is their boss?"

"Lady Sequoia Redwood, sir! She is a wealthy businesswoman! Damn, her grunts are kicking arse!!! Wait, some of them broke away from the main group and are heading in a different direction!"

"Any assumptions where?!"

"There is a Nova District in that direction! They are using vehicles too!"

"We'll need everyone here! Keep fighting! Once you are done - sweep your district clean and reestablish order at once!"

"Roger that!!!"

"Station 5, report!"

"This is Station 5! Sir, you would not believe it! The true synths are fighting with us!!!"

"What?! From the Nexus of Cores embassy?!"

"Yes, we are mopping the floor with the enemy now! Just a bit more and the district is ours! They also claim to send a small group to rescue someone from the Nova District!"

"Great news, guys! Once you are done, send several groups to Station 2! They need help!"

"Aye!!!"

"Station 6, report!"

"This is Station 6, the district is ours! The military finally came to our aid! We also saw a few dropships heading to..."

"...Nova District?"

"Yeah, sir, how did you know?!"

"That place is quite popular with everyone for some reason. Anyway, well done. Send in spare forces to Station 2! Cooperate with operatives from Station 5!"

"Loud and clear!!!"

While happy that the situation got better, Commissioner got really curious about District Nova. Who could be so important to risk your life and money to save him/her?

"Get down!!!" Nick was saved in the pinch when a wide riot shield quickly covered him from the hail of lasers. The bearer was medium in height, but a well-built female member of the aquatic species of Ocea. Her body was donned in a military-grade hydrosuit with armor plates and ammo pockets. A cheerful smiling face with scales on it looked at him reassuringly. "Now you are safe!!!"

"Not yet!" Nick used the shield as cover while sending several more shots at the enemy. One luckily struck the invader's arm, forcing the bastard to immediately seek shelter. The two used this time to quickly relocate to a safer location and catch their breath.

"Please, refrain from taking part in the fight and entrust your safety to the professionals!" the policewoman slightly reproached him, before saluting the man with great enthusiasm. "Lance-Constable Aqua, Cornucopia Police Department! Protect and Serve!!!"

"Nick Bourbon, the human masseur, Nova District!" he responded, carefully watching out for more enemies. And then his overheated brain decided to fart: "I don't know... Touch and Please, I guess?"

"Hahahaha, I like your sense of humor! Let's relocate you to safety, citizen Nick!"

The two began moving in between buildings, steering clear of the open spaces. But what they didn't know was that the enemy didn't just chase them. Groups of invaders closed in from every direction, too far to be spotted in a moment...