Eleev District, Quadrant A, Abaddon Station, Tartarus Sectors

  April 21st, 2508

  Once, this district bustled with life. A life filled with crime, sleazy merchants, and reprobates, but a life nonetheless. Eleev District was one of the territories that was beset by the ongoing Syndicate Wars two years ago. The countless damage and deaths caused by warriors fighting on behalf of their masters for territory, glory, and profit was enough to shut the district down.

  It was also the perfect spot for a meet, as Hawk, Voyager, and Grim went there in their smuggler identities; Irene Summers, Richard Summers, and Sierra Dylan, respectively.

  Smugglers all across the galaxy were known in taking contraband and stuff through abandoned areas. And Eleev District was no different. And a convenient cover story for Hawk and her friends as her group were looking to expand their business.

  The trio arrived to the designated location. An alleyway connected to two apartment buildings in between. Hawk peeked at her husband and Grim and their outfits. Voyager wore a brown bomber jacket and dark sweatpants, while Grim wore a dark blue hoodie with a yellow shirt underneath and beige sweatpants. And as expected, Grim was wearing the hood, keen on not letting anyone else see her face.

  Meanwhile, Hawk wore the same outfit back in mid-2505. A dark green trenchcoat, red scarf, blue armored vest, dark boots, and dark blue jean pants with thigh pads, and a new addition: sunglasses perched on her head.

  They moved to the alleyway, and went a little further until they stopped where they could smell the dampness and dirt in the area. Perfect spot.

  “Void embraces!” Hawk shouted.

  “Void endures!” A voice farther ahead called back a few seconds later.

  The host himself had arrived to their position. Dark purple cloak washed over his body. And as he unsheathed it, he had similar characteristics to his Vernusen cousins, save for few differences. Ashen-gray skin. Green bioluminiscent eyes that looked like they were aflame. A simple garment and pants, to present himself as conspicuous.

  “No bodyguards?” Voyager raised his eyebrow. The host shifted his mouth a little.

  “It would have presented my arrival as hostile, so better it is here alone.” He clarified, and both Rangers nodded at his sentiment.

  “Ranger Hawk, I am Mael’Nors, Seer for my people.” His eyes shifted to his guest. “Before we can talk about this mysterious group of yours, I will need to cure your affliction.”

  Hawk figured that her issue needed to be solved first. Given the Vernukin and their cousins have mastery over mind, it shouldn’t hurt to let ‘Nors handle it.

  Voyager was apprehensive, and tried to step in. Grim stopped him in his tracks, to make him stand down and to let Hawk handle the matter. He stood down, but still nervous.

  As the Vernukin Seer got closer to her, Hawk swallowed and kept a calm breathing rhythm.

  “Close your eyes, Ranger.” She closed her eyes promptly. “Look beyond.”

  She felt a burst of energy and got tense from its power. It was like overwhelming light trying to break through, but she kept steady until she saw what looked like a vision. In this vision, she saw herself bound to a table, eyes focused on what looked like three synthetic individuals.

  “Subject; Hawkins, Katherine. Human. Great-Granddaughter of The Destroyer, Malcolm Hawkins. Recently implanted with the Hades Cybernetic Arm, after her left arm amputated during a live-fire exercise.”

  “Subject was implanted as a sleeper agent for the Charybdis Network Group. However, she had shown resistance in responding to our orders.”

  The vision became clearer, Hawk’s eyes focused on these individuals. The first one had a circular shape in its head, while second in rectangular head shape, the third had triangular shape in their head, and a singular blue photoreceptors as their ‘’eye’’.

  Hawk felt shock and surprise at those individuals. Their synthetic combined with cybernetics, their head shapes, their eyes.

  Cyberis.

  “Why?” A Cyberis individual, the one with triangle-like head shape, asked.

  “She is strong in will and spirit. Unwilling to obedience. Self-determined above everything else.” The Cyberis with rectangular-like head shape, answered. Likely a surgeon, of sorts.

  “If she is not willing to listen to our orders, then she has no use for us. She can rot in her cell.”

  “But…”

  “Our allies in the United Human Dominion, Interstellar Collective Accord, and the Tortsinan Imperium are very necessary in our plans to come, ‘’Doctor’’. And our timetable is running fast.”

  The vision then changed to two cloaked individuals. A cloaked Vernukin, and a Cyberis? That couldn’t be! She couldn’t speak, though she saw that Cyberisin glowed yellow in its eye.

  “Don’t speak and don’t move, human. We’re here to get you out.”

  The Vernukin and Cyberisin released the bonds her, then aided her by the shoulder to escape.

  “We were sent on behalf of your people. Charybdis Network Group kidnapped you after your injury, so they could mold you into their puppet. It didn’t work. Alas, they managed to pierce your mind long enough that their name would give you migraines when spoken. To prevent you from learning.”

  “They wish supremacy over the galaxy like they tried before. But not all of us in the Collective Network support them. Remember that. Remember…”

  “Charybdis.” ‘Nors spoke, and the vision dissipated. The Vernukin stepped back, while Voyager and Grim came to Hawk’s side, and helped her stand up. She anticipated a migraine, though she hadn’t felt any.

  “My goodness. Charybdis is led by the Cyberis.” Hawk spoke, her tone felt dread.

  “Indeed.” Mael’s voice put Hawk and her friends at attention to him.

  “I thought they were all gone..” Voyager’s apprehension was then interrupted

  “During the second Cyberis War?” Mael spoke, then continued. “That is what you believed, yes. But that was the advantage that Charybdis took advantage. They took their time, made alliances, installed puppets.”

  “UHD, TI, and ICA.” Hawk’s comment was barely than a whisper, but the Vernukin heard.

  “I am afraid so, Ranger. These machinations have been built for decades. And you were to be their vanguard in ensuring their supremacy.”

  The trio felt their stomachs drop. They weren’t sure what they expected when they met Mael’Nors, but a possible return to the Cyberis?

  “Would… would my cyber-arm be a liability?” Hawk asked the first thing in her mind.

  “No.” Mael shook his head. “Our own Cyberis allies had modified so that Charybdis wouldn’t use it against you. In addition, we discreetly informed your leaders regarding the incident. Colonel Adriana Erckens, Major Walter Tyrone, and Captain Emilia Wolf were among the few who had the knowledge including your commander, General Maxwell Adams.”

  Hawk nodded, then felt a little relief,

  Grim furrowed her head, doubts settled in. “Okay, so let’s say there are Cyberis who aren’t helping Charybdis. How can we prove that? They’ll think we’re crazy!”

  “Hate to say it, but my friend’s got a point.” Voyager commented, then got an elbow from Grim. She glared at him for a second, then focused on the Vernukin.

  Mael put his right hand up, then brought a necklace from his left hand. The diamond contained dark wisps that looked like a shadow, small enough to keep it sealed in a box.

  He presented it to Hawk, who then put it in her pant pocket.

  “Present this to your leaders, and invite a Seer to present it for the human eye.” Mael advised, which Hawk nodded.

  “You guys use cool powers.” Voyager spoke, then Mael shifted his eyes.

  “The power of memory through the Void is not to be trifled with, young man.”

  Voyager looked down.

  “But indeed, it has it uses. Your people, a few of them, had a belief in the Akashic Records, yes?”

  The trio nodded at Mael’s question, which satisfied the Seer.

  “We Vernukin believe in similar, that all emotions, memories, impressions, and knowledge are stored in an information repository unseen by the regular eye. A quantum space within the Void called The String.”

  What Mael shared to them now made them realize there’s more to the Galaxy than just the current struggle they’re in. Truth be told, they would’ve loved to learn and understand, if not for the urgency in their mission.

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  “Okay, what do we do now?” Hawk sighed and rubbed her head. “I’m not like Malcolm, Mael. I don’t have the entire Galaxy to rally with me. Hell, some people i my family and the FDA fucking hate him.”

  Mael kept a calm demeanor, then moved closer to Hawk, as he looked intently into her eyes.

  “You have his eyes and determination, young Hawk.” Mael spoke, and Hawk felt his tone brought a smile. “You carry a heavy weight, so no one else can bear it.”

  Hawk felt his hand on her shoulder, but still kept her eyes on him.

  “You are still young. There will be great trials and tribulations for you to come, yes. But remember, there will be friends and allies who will help you throughout the struggle in liberating the Frontier. Against the Dominion, Against the Accord. Against Charybdis. And against whatever may come next.”

  Hawk felt a pat on her back from Voyager and Grim, and saw them glancing with a smile.

  “Even as the trials wear you down, always remember this: The strength of winning the struggle is together.”

  Hawk nodded at Mael, and he nodded back then stepped back.

  “I bid you three farewell, and the best luck in your fight. You shall me again when the time is right.”

  And with that, Mael’Nors, the Vernukin Seer, disappeared from their sight.

  The trio collectively left a sigh.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Safehouse, Quadrant A, Abaddon Station, Tartarus Sectors

  April 24th, 2508

  Hawk, Voyager, and Grim just entered the safehouse. All tired as they sat on respective couches after a busy idea in their “smuggling business”. It was one of those days where their business got too busy for the liking and were overwhelmed. Customers, orders, etcetra. There were a few occasions where they had to put down unruly customers for not playing ball with their business. If it wasn’t for the whole thing of using the Rangers Hawk/Grim as their “associates”, they would’ve been in big trouble. And right now, they’re wondering if that will last forever.

  But that wasn’t on their mind, when they entered their safehouse. What was on their mind is the info that Mael’Nors shared with them. About Charybdis. Their involvements within the two superpowers; the Dominion and the Imperium, including the financial group ICA. How far does it go

  “Hey, Kate.” Hawk shifted her eyes to her husband, who was sitting just beside her on the floor, while she was sitting on the couch.

  “Yeah?” She voiced weakly. Tiredness had already settled in.

  “How are you feeling?” Voyager asked to his wife.

  “Oh, I’m fine.” She answered dismissively.

  “Uh-huh. You remember what I said before?” Voyager’s tone expressed that he wasn’t buying it.

  “That when I say ‘I’m fine’, it means I’m not really okay or shit like that. Yeah, I remember.” Hawk spoke fast enough that Grim barely kept up while she was relaxing on the couch besides her friend.

  “So, what Mael’Nors told us really overwhelmed you.” Grim sniped.

  Hawk chuckled, then sighed. “Yeah, it does. I mean, how would you feel knowing you were gonna be a sleeper agent for a species of synthetics with unending hatred to organics?”

  “I’d feel like shit at first. Which I gander is what you’re currently at, right now?”

  “Yeah…”

  Voyager got up and sat on the couch proper, then brought himself closer to Hawk.

  “You’re worried the brass would think you’re compromised.” Voyager stated plainly, which Hawk nodded.

  “I mean, Mael gave us something. Something very big that he kept with that necklace he gave you. And helped cure that migraine of yours. Ain’t that good?” Voyager argued, while Hawk was ensure what to say, as she looked down.

  “I’d say that’s good enough by me.” Pike’s voice was heard as she came over with a leather jacket and long jeans. The trio was about to stand up and salute, though she gestured them to stay seated.

  “Colonel Erckens.” Voyager greeted.

  “Petty Officer Hisham.” Pike greeted back.

  Grim narrowed closely at what looked like blue marks on Pike’s face and neck. They were lipstick marks.

  “So, ma’am. Had a good time with our friend?” Grim asked, though it was more like a sass than a sincere question.

  Pike glared at her, then smiled. “You could say that. Neera and I had close history together.”

  “Yeah, clearly.” Hawk joined in on the sass, which widened her superior’s smile.

  Given he’s no Ranger, Voyager inquired. “So you’ve heard of what we talked?”

  Pike nodded, then gestured at Hawk. The latter brought the necklace from her pocket to her CO, which she put into a small box she brought a desk near the kitchen counter.

  “I came to you because I got some news. Good and bad.” Pike crossed her arms, and the trio paid attention.

  “Good news first. Neera’s technicians managed to decrypt a number of Unveiling Eye’s files you found around a week ago. We managed to pinpoint an informant who goes by Cracked. Don’t ask why. He worked with UE a while back, and currently in Quadrant C.”

  The trio looked at each other, then glanced back. “So… what’s the good news?” Grim asked.

  “That was the good news, Grim.” Pike answered plainly, then Grim looked down.

  “And the bad news?” Hawk chimed in, then Pike took a deep breath.

  “Cracked used to be an informant for the IIA. Went turncoat a few months ago. And the agency is sending a few squads to bring him back. And your sister, Anya? She’s a part of it.”

  Hawk brought her hands to her face, and groaned. “Fucking hell.”

  Grim sighed, as she felt apprehensive that their lead is on Quadrant C, which is Malice’s territory. Not only that, Imperial Intelligence Agency is sending its hitmen to capture him. It’s a matter of when.

  Voyager brought up his hand, and Pike gestured to him. “What’s the timeframe?”

  “Next week. Could be tomorrow, could be on the 28th or further, but our Network will intercept them as soon they arrive at Abaddon. When that happens, be ready to take the asset.” Pike answered, and made her order clear.

  Grim chuffed. “Yeah, you do know that Malice has a chip on her shoulder towards us, right?”

  “I’m aware of that, Lieutenant.” Pike answered. “Which is all the more reason to bring the asset as fast as possible. Anything else?”

  Yeah, are we still gonna be on our Smuggler fits when SSB and its field agents kickstart this whole shit?” Hawk asked, while Voyager thought what SSB meant, until he learned its short for Special Service Bureau.

  “I’m afraid so, Hawkins. They’ll be anticipating for any hostiles in the way, and you won’t be any exception. This would jeopardize the mission.”

  Hawk closed her eyes and rubbed her nose for a moment. “I understand. We’ll be ready.”

  “You best be. We only have one shot at this.” Pike then gave a twice fist bump gesture to her two Rangers, and the duo reciprocated. Pike left the room, with only the trio currently ruminating for their upcoming mission.

  “Well…” Hawk shifted her face to Voyager, who was looking at her. “If you wanna put up a transfer back to your squadron, Ahmed…”

  “I’m staying.” Voyager interrupted. “I’m not going to quite when the going gets tough.”

  “If we fail, there’ll be serious repercussions, including you.” Hawk tried to dissuade her husband.

  “We’ll weather the storm together, Kate. It shouldn’t be on you only.” Grim brought her hand to Hawk’s shoulder.

  Hawk sighed, tried to say more.

  “And maybe Anya could help us.” Voyager spoke up, but Hawk still had doubts.

  “Probably. But she’s SSB and if her superiors gets a wind about her helping us…” Hawk threw her hands in frustration. Couldn’t find the words to find more.

  “Katherine. Habibti.” Voyager tried to cheer his wife up, but she got up and gestured him to leave her alone.

  “Not now, Habibi. I need to be myself for a bit.” Hawk moved to her bedroom and closed the door on the way in.

  Voyager sighed, his right hand on his foerhead as he tried to ponder what to do.

  “Ahmed..” He shifted his face to Grim, who was smiling at him, but only slightly.

  “We’ll do what we can.” She spoke her words.

  Voyager took a breath, then calmed down, as he saw a bit of understanding about Grim’s words.

  “Yeah, we do what we can.”

  “Wanna watch TV in the meantime?” Grim gestured to the TV that was currently off.

  Voyager chuckled, then nodded. “You bet.”

  The TV turned on, showing a live-action drama on the screen, and the two friends sat together to enjoy.