Beta Earth: Between Worlds 2.0 Edition (4 page)

Mission Pt. 2

Time: Next day—afternoon.

Location: Outskirts of City District 11—two blocks south of Civil Administration Building E.

Two members of U.F.’s Special Praetorian Quality Reconnaissance Unit, Rick and San, wait on a hill and monitor the Civil Admin Building. Clave approaches the two members from the south. Rick spots Clave and waves him over. “You’re a little late. That’s okay today but don’t make a habit of it.” Rick quickly examines Clave.

“I assume you’re Akari’s guy.”

“Correct.” Clave responds as he hands Rick an identification card, “I’m Clave. Sorry, I had to set up.”Rick puts the card into a machine, it verifies Clave’s identity. After the process is complete he returns the card.

“I’m Rick and this is San. We are a part of the United Federation Army known as Special Praetorian Quality Reconnaissance Unit or SPQR. Actually, some just call us Ops, but—” San interrupts while he checks out Clave’s equipment.

“Hey, look at this guy’s gear. Customized combat suit with reinforced padding. V61 integrated com system. Duel swords, I mean who uses those anymore? And is that … those boots.”

“Zero Force.” Clave replies. San whistles as he closely examines his boots.

“Didn’t even know the U.F. released those yet.”

“They haven’t.” Clave says. San continues to check out Clave’s equipment. He notices something interesting.

“Hey, where are your guns?”

“I don’t need them.” Clave replies.

“No projectile or laser?” San says with a puzzled look on his face.

“Akari trains special members. I am sure that type of weapon would just hinder him.” Rick says as he opens a laptop. He spins a layer of the display screen around, makes it bigger in dimension. On the display screen is a digital blueprint of the operation. “I know you’ve seen this already but here’s a quick review.”

Rick touches the interactive screen. “It has been confirmed that Matthew Vellian is located on the fourth floor. The Syndicate representative who is coming to present the contract is currently enroute.” Rick uses his fingers to zoom in on the fourth floor of the building. “As you can see, there are plenty of civilians mixed in with Vellian’s guards. The walls and windows are reinforced, preventing a swift outside attack. Also, Vellian’s intelligence and security is excellent. All spies we have used to infiltrate have been made and disposed of.”

Rick runs his hand around the screen. It changes the display to reveal the floor layouts of the building. Various green, red, and gray dots litter the screen. The colors represent civilian, enemy, and unknown.

“Because of certain political constraints, we can’t barge in there and immediately take him out. We have to wait for him to actually sign the document.”

One of the green dots turns yellow, indicating Vellian himself. Rick rolls his hand over the display again and it shows purple dots. This indicates the rest of the S.P.Q.R. team. They are gathering around the front of the building. “Once Vellian signs, our team will move in and stage an attrition battle in the front. We will have the roof and the front entrance locked down. All Vellian can do is escape from the side entrances. Bear in mind, he may try to make his own exit. Do not trust the doors.”

Rick runs his hand over the display, quickly putting red crosses on all side doors. “Your job is to end Matthew Vellian after we flush him out. And take out the Syndicate representative if you get the chance.” Clave nods in confirmation.

“He will be armed along with his guards.” San says.

“No problem.” Clave replies. In a flash, the reality of his first actual mission sinks in. Strangely enough, he is not scared or nervous. If anything, he is excited to show off his ability to Rick and his team. He is also excited to gauge his training with Akari. San rubs his hand across his chin. “Have you had any experience?”

Clave turns to San.“Simulation.” he replies.

“What? You’re still green?” San asks. Rick shakes his head no. “San, Akari’s simulations are different. They are life and death. This guy may have more experience than all of us combined.” San sizes Clave up and crosses his arms.

“I guess we’ll see, won’t we?” Rick receives a signal from his communication band. He listens to his ear piece and nods a few times. “Okay, looks like the Syndicate rep has arrived. Clave, get to your mark and await orders.”

Clave runs towards the Civil Building.
I never got to master my coordination training. I hope the rest of Akari’s teachings pay off.
Clave thinks as he heads to his destination. Rick and San watch Clave as he runs in the distance.

“Rick ... am I blind, or was he just a kid?” San says.

“I know. They are making ’em younger and younger, San. Anyway, let’s move.”

Mission Pt. 3

Time: Afternoon.

Location: Just outside the Molbis Clan hideout in Sprawl 15.

Jest-Ker waits impatiently by a dead tree as Zuri and Vin stroll up. Jest-Ker snaps at them, “Damn, it’s about time! Why the hell are you two always late?” Vin surveys the area while Zuri walks up to Jest-Ker. He ignores his initial comment.

“Hey, what is this mission about?” Zuri asks. “All the boss told us to do was to meet here.”

“That’s because it’s all you needed to know. Like Shane would actually tell you low-rank grunts anything important.” Jest-Ker says with a laugh. Zuri frowns slightly but disregards his buffoonery. “Did you bring what he told you to?” Jest-Ker asks. Zuri pulls a small envelope from his inner pocket and holds it out.

Jest-Ker snatches it from Zuri and smiles brightly. “We are here to talk with the Molbis Clan. Actually, I am here to do that. You two are here as my backups. As if I, Jest-Ker, master negotiator and fighter, even really need it. You are here just for show ... let’s start moving.”

Jest-Ker heads towards the Molbis Clan’s hideout. Zuri and Vin look at each other, they are suspicious about Jest-Ker’s motives. The Molbis Clan is another gang in Sprawl 15. They are usually docile and content with the territory they have. The Faux Forsaken is their main competition.

Even so, they don’t necessarily hate them. But make no mistake, they don’t consider them friends, either. Jest-Ker stops in front of an entrance. It’s so inconspicuous that most people wouldn’t notice it. There are two big guards on each side of the steel door.

Crumbled concrete is scattered all around the entry way. Faint noises can be heard emanating from inside. Jest-Ker walks up to one of the guards. “I’m Jest-Ker. I believe you guys are expecting me.” One of the guards steps in front of the door.

“Hold on. Do you have it?” he asks in a deep voice. Jest-Ker hands him the envelope. The guard takes it and peeks inside. His eyes widen after viewing the contents. He closes the envelope and hands it back to Jest-Ker.

The guard opens the hideout door and steps aside. Jest-Ker enters and Zuri follows right behind him. Jest-Ker stops, turns around and pushes Zuri out of the entrance. “I can handle it from here. You two wait out here until I get back. If I need help, I’ll call.” Jest-Ker says with a hint of arrogance.

He then slams the door in his face. Zuri furious, keeps his composure as he turns to Vin. “Let’s wait over here.” The two walk over to a pile of rubble not too far from the entrance and watch the door.

“I’ve just about had it with this gang!” Zuri says.

“What else can we do?” Vin asks as he watches the two Molbis guards. “You know there isn’t very many ways we can make this kind of money in the sprawl.” Zuri looks at Vin and notices that he is squinting hard.

“You should really get some glasses, man,” Zuri says.

“I know.” Vin replies softly. They both stand silently for a moment. Lost in their own thoughts.

“Yeah, well maybe I’ll just start my own gang.” Zuri suddenly says.

“Are you serious?” Vin asks.

“Yes, seriously man, I’ve been thinking. There are tons of people here in our situation. If we had our own gang, we could make it respectable, one that actually protects the sprawls and provides work instead of leeches off everyone.” Zuri says. Vin shakes his head.

“You need two things we don’t have—power and money.”

“Yeah, but we have time. And we can get the other two if we are smart about it.” Zuri replies. “As a matter fact.” Zuri looks over at the guards. “Wait here a minute.” Zuri says as he walks over to the two Molbis guards. “Hey, do you guys happen to know why Jest-Ker is here?” Zuri asks. The guards look at each other and then stare at Zuri blankly. “Just looking for a little info.” Zuri says. The two guards smile condescendingly.

“You must be low rank in your crew or something. He is here to continue negotiations about our alliance.” one of the guards says.

“An alliance? In our sprawl?” Zuri is shocked by the prospect. The Molbis guard replies with a nod.

“Yeah, I know, but I guess Shane thinks your new boss might need some assistance.” Zuri now confused, is growing anxious.

“N-New boss? What? Who?” The guards look at each other and laugh.

“Are you sure you’re even in the Faux Forsaken or are you two pledging?” Zuri ignores the comment and asks the more important question.

“Who’s in charge now?” Vin notices the guards laughing hard as Zuri turns and walks away from them. Zuri approaches Vin with a very concerned look on his face.

“What’s up?” Vin asks. Zuri looks at Vin with confusion and fear in his eyes.

“We have a new leader.”

“What? When did this happen?” Vin asks.

“Yesterday.” Zuri replies. His eyes trail off as he tries to absorb the information he has just received but Vin is growing impatient.

“Well, who is it?” Vin asks.

Zuri looks at Vin and says the one name they both never wanted to hear. “Tooth.”

Vin’s eyes widen but before he can respond. Jest-Ker exits the Molbis hideout with a huge grin on his face as he approaches them.

Mission Pt. 4

Time: T-minus ten minutes till Operation Start.

Location: Inside the Civil Administration Building E—City District 11.

Matthew Vellian waits in conference room 412. The room is filled with bodyguards. Some wear suits, others wear street attire and all of them connected to Vellian’s security communication system. Vellian monitors his computer. It’s linked to the building’s security system.

“What is the ETA on the contact?” Vellian asks. A man to the right of Vellian holding a mini PDA responds, “The contact is in the building and approaching our floor.” Vellian sighs with relief.

“Good. Let’s get this over with.”

“No hostiles detected in the building and the U.F. and sector police aren’t massed in our grid area.” The security guard reports. Vellian twirls a pen that he is holding in his hand.

“I didn’t expect they would. You’ve gotta love the law. I mean, no matter the system, the more liberal it is, the more convoluted it becomes. Leaving the people with two options—oppression or corruption—it’s cliché, I know. But who am I to go against the grain?” Vellian leans back and grins.

“You can’t blame me, of course. It’s my job to take advantage of all situations.”

Just then the Syndicate representative enters the conference room. Meanwhile, three blocks to the south. Rick, San, and a crew of eight S.P.Q.R. members, all dressed in sector police uniform. Drive a caravan of three sector police assault vans toward the Civil Admin Building. Rick is in the lead van with San as his driver.

Rick activates his com band, contacts Clave and speaks.“They have signed. We are at one minute thirty till our mark. Most of their force is likely moving to engage us in the front. What’s your status, Clave?”

“I’m forty-five seconds away from my mark.” Clave replies. Rick is confused by the response. Clave should have been at his mark by now. “What? What the hell where you doing?” Rick asks.

“I noticed something in the blueprints and made preparations.” Clave replies. Rick shakes his head disappointedly.

“I hope you know what you’re doing kid.”

“Continue as planned.” Clave immediately replies.

San looks over to Rick. “Did the kid screw us royally yet?”

“No. Stick to plan alpha.” Rick replies.

“Heh. Roger.” San says.

The sector police assault vans pull to the front of the building, sirens blazing. All three vans form a semicircle in front of the entrance. Civilians run out of the way. Vellian’s guards exit the building and immediately open fire on the vans.

Rick and the rest of the units use their vans as cover as they convene. “Okay, remember, we are the bait. They think we are sector police, so they won’t expect our inside man. Zero civilian casualties. No spray and pray cover fire on this one. Move out.”

Rick claps his hands and the members instantly take their positions. Rick then contacts Clave via his com band. “You ready?” he asks. Clave is at the back entrance of the building. He is crouched near some floor lights, concealed by their shadows.

He looks at his wrist panel. It contains a localized map of the building floor plan, additional sentry information and a yellow dot representing Vellian. “As I expected, Vellian is not exiting out of a side entrance.” Clave says.

“What? Where is he going? The roof is covered with our air assault units. He must know that.” Rick replies. Clave checks his equipment. He makes sure that he has everything he needs.

“I’ll just have to stop him before he can do whatever it is he is going to do.” Clave replies. Clave monitors his wrist panel. It shows two dim red lights slowly growing brighter. He looks up and notices two of Vellian’s guards open the door.

“We have a plan B.” Rick says. Before Rick can finish, Clave takes off at a sprint for the door.

“Don’t need it. Just keep your men away from the building.” Clave says as he reaches behind his back and pulls out his sword. The door opens and like a blur. Clave runs between the two guards. They look at each other and collapse to the ground. They have just been slashed across the torso.

Clave sprints down the long hallway. He quickly dispatches unsuspecting guard members with great speed, all while not stopping. He follows the hallways while checking the data on his wrist panel. He avoids the green dots but quickly disposes of any red dots in his way.

Clave stops, he notices four red dots ahead on his panel. Clave quickly presses a few buttons on his wrist panel. Outside the Civil Administration Building, two small bombs ignite near a power conduit box. The lights in the entire building shut off.

The emergency lights kick in. They are dim but sufficiently reduce visibility. Clave grabs his other sword and duel wields as he enters the room with the four red dots. The guards immediately open fire on him.

Clave’s Zero Force boots light up as he runs up the wall. He tosses one of his swords, deeply cutting one guard’s arms and impaling another guard. Clave leaps off the wall and slashes the next guard, killing him instantly. The final guard fires at Clave, who deflects the shots at close range.

Clave is stunned for a second by the sheer force of the bullets’ impact. He struggles to run towards the guard. He ends up losing his balance and begins to fall. With a forced recovery, he manages to dive and roll to the left of the guard.

He then tosses his sword at the guard’s gun, which disarms him and leaves him shocked in the process. Clave immediately swoops in and swiftly kills the guard with his bare hands. Fatigued, Clave catches his breath and recovers his stamina, while he gathers his swords. “The old lady was right. I do need to work on my coordination ... and my stamina. I exert too much.” Rick contacts Clave.

“What’s your status? Looks like you’re in the thick of it.” Clave pulls a small piece of cloth out of one of the compartments of his battle suit and uses it to wipe his swords clean. Once cleaned, he tosses the cloth and runs down the nearby staircase.

Clave, a bit winded, finally replies, “I am closing in on Vellian. He should be—” Clave stops at the bottom of the stairs. “This shouldn’t be here.”

“What?” Rick asks. Clave looks at a gigantic reinforced steel wall. It looks newly constructed and severely out of place.

“Steel wall … newly constructed. I mean, it looks like they just finished it.” Rick slams his fist into the side of the van and Clave can hear it though the transmission.

“Dammit! Underground escape,” Rick says. Clave looks at his panel. Vellian’s yellow dot is still close. “Okay, Clave, get out of there. We will hit him with plan B … that is. If … well, damn he got us. Look, just get out. His men are converging on your location.” Clave stares at the yellow dot pulsing on his display.

“Wait, he’s not running. There is still time.”

“Still time for what?” Rick asks.

“Pull your men back and get away now!” Clave says.

“Clave—”

“Let me do my job. All I need from you is to pull your force away and help me get out of the building with the least resistance possible.” Clave interrupts as he runs back up the stairs.