~ Chapter 1 ~

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The soft whirr of the cockpit door, as it closes, permeates the tightly confined room. With a smooth motion, a hand reaches out to the console, towards a rose colored button. With a soft press, the interior of the cockpit is lit with a soft blue glow.

 

Initializing…
M.I.N. [Eclipse] [1674]
Requesting P.A.K…
P.A.K Acquired… [Aurora - Active] [KLM - 954]
P.A.K. Confirmed…
Boot Up Sequence Commencing…
Welcome Pilot [Aurora]

 

“Companion System, run startup diagnostic checklist.” requested the pilot.

 

Diagnostic Checklist Commencing…
Sensors - Scanning…
Communications Systems - Scanning…
Hull Integrity - Scanning…
Generator - Scanning…
Fuel Rods - Scanning…
Weapons - Scanning…
Mobility Systems - Scanning…
Special Equipment - Detected…

 

The female pilot's hands danced across the controls, jostling the joystick freeing it from its fixed position and tapping the various buttons and switches. Within a few moments the text on the HUD updates stating the current status of the diagnostic scan.

 

Sensors - Operational - Status [96%]
Communications Systems - Operational - Status [89%]
Hull Integrity - Optimal - Integrity [92%]
Generator - Operational - Status [87%]
Fuel Rods - Operational - Full [100%]
Weapons - Operational - Status [Loaded 100%]
Mobility Systems - Operational - Status [89%]
Special Equipment - Mobile Node Tether - Status [100%]
Special Equipment - Long-range AEP Monitor - Status [100%]
Diagnostic Checklist Has Completed - All Systems Nominal

 

The cockpit is illuminated with a heads-up display showing the current readings of the sensors. The immediate surrounding is a spacious, medium-sized hangar.

 

Comm Sys - Received Connection Request - [MHQ] - [VirtualRoom 21]

 

Aurora took a deep breath, “Accept the connection,”

 

Comm Sys - Connection Request Accepted…
Comm Sys - Connected To [MHQ] - [VirtualRoom 21]
Comm Sys - [MHQ] - [VirtualRoom 21]
Connected M.I.N. - [Eclipse], [Maverick*], [Centurion**], [Ironclad], [Stormbringer]

 

[Maverick*] - [Caelum] “Ok people, like in the operation briefing, we get in, get a look around, and book it. Remember, we are there only to guard Enigma VII. Our mission is to protect them, get our regular area scans, and record any hostile presences and encounters. Understood?”

[Centurion**] - [Lyra] “Understood”

[Stormbringer] - [Draco] “Got it, Boss”

[Ironclad] - [Orion] “Yep”

[Eclipse] - [Aurora] “Affirmative”

[Maverick*] - [Caelum] “Okay, your Comm Sys should receive the data packet of the target zone. Prepare for Standard Deployment. System, move all connected M.I.N. to [Mobile Node Tether]”

 

Comm Sys - Data Packet Received
Comm Sys - [Mobile Node Tether] Starting…
Comm Sys - Connection Address Changed - Connecting…
Comm Sys - Connected To [Mobile Node Tether] - [Team Noir]
Comm Sys - Received Launch Clearance - Gate 3

 

“Initiate launch procedures.” Aurora commanded

 

Commencing Launch Procedures - Magnetic Launch Confirmed
Commencing Launch Procedures - Moving [Eclipse] To Gate 3

 

The cockpit display flickers as the sensors pick up orange alarms blaring throughout the hangar. Suddenly, a series of intricate mechanisms engaged, causing the ground to tremble beneath its immense weight.

Slowly, the mech's metallic frame was elevated by a network of hydraulics, gently lifting it off the ground and placing it onto a pair of guide rails.

Assisted by an intricate system of rails and tracks, the mech glided seamlessly along the hangar, its movements precise and calculated. Sparkling arcs of electricity danced along the conduits, tracing the path of the automated relocation process.

“Pull up the mission brief,” Aurora ordered.

Comm Sys - Displaying Mission Briefing…
Comm Sys - Mission: Enigma VII Recon

~~

Mission Info:

Mission Name - Enigma VII Recon

Location - Section 43A - Site E14

AEP Level -  Medium Density [20-35] 

Mission Objective:  Get in contact with research team Enigma VII, and assist them during their investigation of Site E14 (Elysium's Veil). Maintain standard defensive procedures. Location: Section 43A, Site E14, commonly known as Elysium's Veil, is a clandestine research facility nestled deep within an isolated and enigmatic location, Section 43A.
Caution Warning: Mission AEP Level - Medium Density [20-35]

Attention all personnel involved in Mission Enigma VII Recon. This is a cautionary alert regarding the Anomalous Ether Particles (AEP) indicating a medium density range of 20 to 35. The presence of Enlightened in the designated area has been confirmed at a moderate level.

~~

 

With a clunk, the large mech is locked into place by large metallic clamps on either side.

 

Commencing Launch Procedures - [Eclipse] Docked with Gate 3
Commencing Launch Procedures - Running Final Launch Checks…
Commencing Launch Procedures - Checks Complete
Commencing Launch Procedures - Ready To Launch

 

Aurora closed her eyes, ”God or whoever, let us make it back home. [Eclipse] Launching” Aurora announced.

Acceleration engulfs Aurora as powerful thrusters propel the mech forward with tremendous force. The mech charged forward, propelled by a combination of electromagnetic force and powerful thrusters.

As the mech launches out the gate, the ground below becomes a blur of colors and shapes. The wind howls around the mech, as Aurora feels the immense forces at play, pushing and maneuvering the colossal machine through the air. Gravity loses its grip, and the mech becomes weightless, soaring above the ocean.

After the colossal metal giant steadied itself, Aurora cast a brief look behind at MHQ. The massive man-made island, hovering just above the ocean, gradually faded from sight as the surrounding mist concealed it once more.

 

After a few moments, a voice resonates from the comms unit “This is the Maverick, comms check.” Caelum said.

“Centurion here. I hear you loud and clear,” responded Lyra.

“Stormbringer here, all systems are green,” Draco chimed in.

“Ironclad reporting in. Everything's looking solid on my end,” Orion added.

Aurora joined the conversation, “This is Eclipse, comm check complete. All systems operational and ready for action.”

“Excellent,” Caelum acknowledged.“ Remember, we'll be entering the medium-density zone, so stay alert and follow standard protocols. Enigma VII is likely already on-site, so we'll be rendezvousing with them once we touch down. Stay on high alert for any potential hostiles in the area.”

 

As the team flew through the sky, they finally approached landfall. After 30 minutes of flying the ocean, at last, had transformed into sand and next into dreary forests.

 

Comm Sys - Alert Approaching Section 43A

 

“Sorry, I still don’t get why Enigma VII was sent here. Isn’t this place just like an old abandoned building?” questioned Draco.

“Don’t you know? This was one of the last places that were still operational during The Descent, if anything they should have been researching the Enlightened at that point. Any data they would’ve had should still be there.” answered Lyra.

“But if it did, why didn’t HQ send anyone here a few years ago? There’s something going on here, something we don’t know about, maybe some of the Enigma guys know?” Orion concluded.

Draco added, "Yeah wow thanks, I feel so so much better. You think there's more to it than just recon?"

“Well whatever’s here we’ll just be careful,”Lyra said.

Caelum remained composed but alert, "That's right, we'll stay cautious and be prepared for anything. Let's focus on finding Enigma VII and completing the mission objectives."

 

The mechs glided through the air, following a predetermined flight path to avoid unnecessary attention.

 

“Team, we're approaching the designated drop zone. Prepare for descent,” Caelum instructed.

 

The mechs descended gracefully, their thrusters expertly calibrated to control their speed and landing trajectory. The massive metallic frames touched down on the ground, causing a small tremor beneath them. They had arrived at their destination, yet the area was eerily quiet.

 

“Hmm, that's strange, this should be our meeting spot with Enigma VII. Lyra, Orion, and Draco, you're with me. We'll secure the perimeter and search for any signs of the research team,” Caelum commanded. “Aurora, stay on high ground. You'll be our lookout, ready to provide support if needed.”

“Understood, Caelum. I'll keep a close watch on the surroundings,” Aurora acknowledged.

 

As Caelum, Lyra, Orion, and Draco set out to secure the perimeter and search for the missing research team, Aurora's mech stood silently on top of a hill, its sensors scanning the surroundings with precision. The eerie silence of the location sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

 

“Comm sys, activate the Long-range AEP Monitor” Aurora commanded. The Anomalous Ether Particle (AEP) Monitor was a specialized system that could detect particles emitted by Enlightened over a wide area. As the monitor came online, Aurora observed the data streaming in, showing fluctuations in the AEP density across the area.

 

Comm Sys - [Long-range AEP Monitor ] Starting…
Comm Sys - [Long-range AEP Monitor ] Operational
Comm Sys - [Long-range AEP Monitor ] AEP Results: Avg. [43] - Min. [12] - Max [61]
Comm Sys - [Long-range AEP Monitor ] Warning: Substantial fluctuations detected. Live results =/= anticipated results. Large discrepancy detected. Proceed with caution.

 

The readings were unusual, the AEP levels were higher than expected, and the fluctuations were more frequent and intense. It was as if the area was alive and was pulsating like it was reacting to some unseen force.

 

Aurora's concern grew as she relayed the information to her team. "Caelum, the AEP levels don’t match with what info we got. It's way too high and unstable. We need to exercise extreme caution. The situation might be more dangerous than we initially thought."

"Copy that, Aurora. Keep monitoring the AEP readings and stay alert for any changes," Caelum replied, his voice tinged with a sense of urgency.

 

As the team continued their search, Aurora kept a vigilant eye on the AEP monitor. The energy fluctuations seemed to be strangely synced. As if it were a low tide that precedes a tsunami.

 

“Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of the Enigma VII team,” Caelum said over the comms. “Aurora, do you see anything from above?”

“Nope, nothing is coming up, except the weird AEP levels,” Suddenly, the AEP monitor registered a sharp spike in energy, followed by a low hum that reverberated through the air. Aurora's heart raced as she relayed the information to the team. 

"Woah, Caelum, something big is happening. The AEP levels just spiked, and I'm detecting a buildup of energy in the vicinity. Be prepared for anything."

"Understood, Aurora. Stay on high alert," Caelum responded, his voice unwavering despite the escalating situation.

 

As the team continued their search, the energy fluctuations intensified, and the ground beneath them shook with increasing intensity. Then suddenly, with an immense and powerful force, just ahead, a large tree succumbed to an unseen force, toppling with a thunderous crash.

Out of the shadows, a large foul limb scrambled over the fallen log, the entity slithered into view. Its form seemed to twist and contort, a multitude of twisted limbs and tendrils extended from its grotesque body.

 

"T3! T3 incoming! Brace for combat!" Caelum yelled.

 

Aurora's hands flew over her controls as she engaged her mech's offensive systems, quickly ensuring her vantage point remained secure at the same time swiftly scanning the surrounding area.

 

Aurora scanned the area, “Wait, there’s more! a whole horde,”

“Damn, didn’t HQ say that this is a medium density area!” complained Draco.

"We need to thin their numbers before we're overrun. Draco, Lyra, and Orion focus on the T1 and T2 anomalies. Use hit-and-run tactics to disperse them. I'll distract the T3s. Aurora, provide cover fire for the team and target any high-priority threats."

 

With the plan in place, the team executed their roles with precision and determination. Caelum, piloting his mech with expert skill, engaged the T3 anomalies, drawing their attention away from his teammates. He used the forest terrain to his advantage, darting in and out of cover while delivering well-timed strikes against the powerful entities.

Draco, Lyra, and Orion worked in tandem, coordinating their attacks and exploiting the Enlightened' weaknesses. Their mechs moved with agility and grace, allowing them to outmaneuver the T1 and T2 entities and pick them off one by one.

Aurora remained vigilant from above, firing her energy rifle with deadly accuracy. Her shots targeted the T3 entities whenever possible, providing much-needed support to Caelum while ensuring the rest of the team stayed safe.

Inside the mech cockpit, Aurora's focus was unwavering. Her eyes darted between the heads-up display and the surrounding environment, processing data and reacting to the fast-paced battle unfolding below.

 

“Focus, haaa,” Aurora took a deep breath.

 

The soft glow of the console illuminated her face as she meticulously controlled her mech's movements and weaponry.

Time seemed to stretch as adrenaline coursed through her veins. Each decision had to be made swiftly and precisely. Her hands moved with practiced ease, maneuvering the controls with an almost instinctual understanding of her mech's capabilities.

With every shot she fired, Aurora calculated the trajectory and impact, making split-second adjustments to ensure her attacks hit their mark. The hum of energy weapons and the crackling of Enlightened filled the cockpit, creating an intense and charged atmosphere.

Aurora maintained constant communication with her teammates, relaying crucial information and offering support whenever needed. Her voice was composed and determined, concealing the underlying intensity she felt inside.

 

"Draco, you've got a T2 coming from your left flank," she warned, her sensors detecting the approaching threat.

"Thanks, Aurora. I see it," Draco responded, quickly repositioning his mech to deal with the incoming anomaly.

 

As Aurora kept a vigilant watch over her team from her mech's vantage point, a chill ran down her spine. Before she could react, an eerie presence enveloped her. 

Unknowingly, a malevolent entity managed to sneak past her sensors, emerging from the shadows with an eerie swiftness. It swiftly lunged at her, its twisted form becoming visible as it materialized from the shadows.

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