The penthouse is our hub, space windows casting starlight across the floor, holo-screens flickering with idle logs. I'm Alex, fiddling with a holo-map, Fiona beside me, her staff propped nearby as she sketches battle plans. Dmitri's leaning against the wall, spear in hand, while Lyra's calibrating a scanner, her Veltari sharpness on point. Our Eldari cover keeps our human roots under wraps, and the Arkvault's council games are always a step ahead.
My bracelet pings—a message from the 13th Elder: Squad Zero, Varkis, Kaelis, my office. Now. I glance at Fiona. "Boss wants the full crew."
She sets down her sketch. "Sounds like big news."
Dmitri straightens. "Let's see."
Lyra tucks the scanner away. "About time for action."
We teleport to the elder's office, holo-screens displaying council charts, space windows showing nebulae. The elder's metallic frame looms behind a desk, optics like twin moons. Varkis stands nearby, and Kaelis, his optics bright, joins us.
"Squad Zero," the elder says, voice like a rusted engine. "You've proven yourselves. Kaelis joins you as the fifth member—your team's complete at A-rank."
Kaelis steps forward, optics steady. "Honored to be in. Let's make the 13th proud."
I clap him on the back. "Welcome to the squad, mate. You're one of us now."
Fiona nods, staff shifting. "We've got your back."
Dmitri grunts. "About time we're five strong."
Lyra smirks. "Let's see what you've got, new guy."
The elder's optics gleam. "I'm pleased with your progress. The 5th Elder's under control, the 9th's quiet for now. As a token, new gear and credits—10,000 each, plus upgraded weapons from the armory."
I whistle. "10,000? That's a boost."
Fiona's eyes light up. "Upgrades? Count me in."
Dmitri nods. "Spear's ready for more."
Kaelis's optics flash. "I'll take what I can get."
The elder leans forward. "But there's a mission—dangerous. The 4th Elder's considering an alliance. He's power-centric, respects strength. To prove ours, he wants you to capture his right-hand man, Rykor—a legend, above A-rank, fast, smart, stays hidden. Former Guild ace, now his exclusive operative."
I cross my arms. "Capture? Not kill?"
Fiona tilts her head. "Why him?"
The elder's voice hardens. "Rykor's a test. Grab him without harm, and the 4th sees the 13th's team is worthy. Fail, and no alliance."
Dmitri grunts. "Sounds like a hunt."
Lyra's ready to move. "I'm game for a chase."
Kaelis nods. "I'll hack their systems if needed."
The elder's optics narrow. "Rykor's elusive—sneaks through habitats like a ghost. Your S-level access helps, but he's slippery. Succeed, and we gain a powerful ally."
I grin. "Like a cosmic tag game. We'll tag him."
Fiona laughs. "Don't jinx it, Coach."
Dmitri smirks. "Let's find this ghost."
The elder stands. "Prepare. The 4th's waiting for results."
We teleport back to the penthouse, the squad buzzing. "Rykor sounds tough," I say, power fist flexing.
Fiona's staff shifts. "We've handled worse."
Lyra paces. "Fast and smart? My kind of challenge."
Kaelis's optics gleam. "I'll trace his patterns."
Dmitri nods. "Together, we'll snag him."
Fiona nudges me. "Ready for another win, hero?"
I wink. "Always, babe."